The early '90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is a favorite among Millennials. It was a star vehicle for Will Smith, gave us one of the best TV theme songs of all time and introduced the world to "the Carlton Dance." Man, what a show.
So it's no surprise that the Internet promptly freaked out when news hit that The Fresh Prince was now available on Netflix Instant Streaming, where many a Millennial enjoys watching new shows and getting reacquainted with old favorites.
There was just one problem. This new addition to the online streaming service isn't true. If you log in to Netflix right now and search for The Fresh Prince, you'll be met with that dreaded result: "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is unavailable to stream. The title is available on Netflix DVD."
Hey, what gives? Unfortunately, the news that The Fresh Prince is now on Netflix Instant Streaming is nothing more than one of those Internet hoaxes we know and love. Well, sort of. The Netflix parody Twitter account @NetflixLife started it yesterday.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is #NowOnNetflix pic.twitter.com/gxuz6xiylc
— Netflix (@NetflixLife) December 8, 2014
Even though the Twitter bio for this account plainly states, "Not affiliated with Netflix (Original Netflix Parody Account)," the news immediately sent Twitter into a frenzy, causing The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air to become a trending topic in the United States as of the early afternoon. Those poor, poor tweeps innocently thinking this beloved show is ready to stream right at their fingertips. It brings a tear to the eye.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air on Netflix... It's about time — Hahdl (@HahdStressStudy) December 8, 2014
Netflix...you've made a good choice. Everyone needs some of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air in their lives, and you made it possible. #lessthan3
— Bruce Thompson II (@nerdgumbo) December 8, 2014
Every episode of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is now on Netflix! Any kid who was born in the 90's has already seen every episode...twice. — Austin Chesshire (@AustinChesshire) December 8, 2014
In happier news, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is now on #Netflix which means I'm not coming out of my house for a while — Rob Brown (@RobBrown3) December 8, 2014
And when people found out this wasn't true, they didn't take it very well. Not very well at all.
We love in a world were people claim that The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is on @netflix when it really isn't. I'm not ok with this. — Andrew Ziolkowski (@AndrewZ_Man) December 8, 2014
Go fuck yourself you douche RT“@NetflixLife: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is #NowOnNetflix pic.twitter.com/8HLeHAY99D” pic.twitter.com/JU5gE4k5C4 — Shit-Sipper (@ElVerdaderoRifo) December 8, 2014
Well, this isn't the news you want to start off your week, but it is what it is. In case you don't receive DVDs in the mail from Netflix, there are a few places online you can stream The Fresh Prince for a price, such as through Amazon, iTunes and Vudu. Then of course if you really want to go old school, you can always just catch reruns on Nick at Nite, which is really the only way to watch The Fresh Prince in my opinion.
[H/T Decider]
