The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch
EntertainmentThe LatestTV

Exclusive: Jabari Banks, Coco Jones, Akira Akbar, Cassandra Freeman & More Talk ‘Bel-Air’ Season 2 [Interview]

by Rebecca Eugene February 28, 2023
by Rebecca Eugene February 28, 2023 0 comments
3.2K

The series Bel-Air continues its success and returns to Peacock on February 23rd. 

BEL-AIR — “Bel-Air, The Anywhere Club” — Pictured: (l-r) Jimmy Akingbola, Cassandra Freeman, Olly Sholotan, Coco Jones, Adrian Holmes, Carla Banks Waddles, Executive Producer; Morgan Cooper, Executive Producer; Jabari Banks, Simone Joy Jones, Akira Akbar, Jordan L. Jones at the NeueHouse Hollywood on February 22, 2023 — (Photo by: Robin Marshall/Peacock)

This modernized and reimagined version of the 90’s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air returns for Season 2 and continues its impactful storytelling. The launch of Season 1 left many viewers questioning how the reboot would compare to the original show. As the season progressed, fans saw the shift in how the storylines unfolded and the overall depiction of the characters. This season the show continues to incorporate timely and relevant issues that plague our society today and offers a deeper glimpse into the lives of each character. 

BEL-AIR -- "A Fresh Start" Episode 201 -- Pictured: (l-r) Jabari Banks as Will, Olly Sholotan as Carlton -- (Photo by: Casey Durkin/PEACOCK)
BEL-AIR -- "A Fresh Start" Episode 201 -- Pictured: (l-r) Jabari Banks as Will, Adrian Holmes as Philip, Cassandra Freeman as Vivian, Olly Sholotan as Carlton, Coco Jones as Hilary, Akira Akbar as Ashley -- (Photo by: PEACOCK)
BEL-AIR -- "A Fresh Start" Episode 201 -- Pictured: (l-r) Tatyana Ali as Mrs. Hughes -- (Photo by: PEACOCK)

At the end of Season 1, secrets are revealed, causing a rift between Uncle Phil and Will, ultimately impacting the entire family dynamic. In Season 2, some of those bonds are in the process of being repaired, while others remain fractured. Bel-Air implements conversations about mental health in black and brown communities, banning certain books and lessons from being implemented into school curriculums, activism, and more. Fans will get a guest appearance from Tatyana Ali, who portrayed Ashley Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and will be playing a teacher named Mrs. Hughes. 

The Knockturnals spoke with some of the cast and producers about Season 2 and what they hope fans will take away from it. They also discussed the importance of representation and implementing relevant topics and issues in mainstream projects.

Adrian HolmesAkira AkbarBel-AirCarla Banks WaddlesCassandra FreemanCoco JonesFresh Prince of Bel-Air remakeJabari BanksJimmy AkingbolaJordan L. JonesMorgan CooperOlly SholotanSimone Joy Jones
0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Rebecca Eugene

previous post
New Music Roundup: Releases You May Have Missed
next post
Exclusive Interview With Vanessa Agudelo – Queen Of Vibes Founder and CEO

Related Posts

CJ Wallace and Jae’Won Host New Vlogcast ‘Silver...

October 23, 2026

Currents – ‘Surface Noise’ and ‘Real World’ at...

October 23, 2026

‘One in a Million’ Follows Syrian Refugee’s Journey

October 23, 2026

The Chain Theater’s ‘Aphasia’

October 23, 2026

Lucky Daye Brings ‘ALOUD!’ to Life at Grammy...

October 22, 2026

An Evening With Prisoner Wine and Omari Booker

October 22, 2026

Street Fighter Is Bringing the Game’s Iconic Characters...

October 22, 2026

La Vie en Rosé With Château Sainte Marguerite

October 21, 2026

Naomi Ackie: ‘Clayface’ is ‘Somehow Horrific and Fun’

October 21, 2026

‘Clarissa’ Review: The Nigerian Mrs. Dalloway

October 21, 2026

Digital Cover No. 22

The Knockturnal Merch

Follow Us On The Gram

theknockturnal

Lifestyle. Music. Entertainment.
Info@theknockturnal.com
New Cover Out Now ⬇️

A little darkness, a lot of depth. The Knockturn A little darkness, a lot of depth. 

The Knockturnal sat down with our latest cover star, @naomiackie , to discuss her approach to complex characters, her hesitation toward romance, and trusting that the right roles come at the right time.

Read the full cover story by Sebastian Cintron at theknockturnal.com
“I don’t mess with that crap!” Demons, Ouija boar “I don’t mess with that crap!”

Demons, Ouija boards, and cold water? That’s a hard pass for @naomiackie 

The Knockturnal sat down with our latest cover star, Naomi Ackie, to reveal the three things she refuses to mess with.

Read the full cover story by Sebastian Cintron at theknockturnal.com
Sometimes, the setbacks are part of the journey. Sometimes, the setbacks are part of the journey.

The Knockturnal sat down with our latest cover star, @naomiackie , to reflect on career challenges, finding gratitude in the unexpected, and staying grounded.

Read the full cover story by Sebastian Cintron at theknockturnal.com
Finding joy in the craft, even when no one is watc Finding joy in the craft, even when no one is watching. 

The Knockturnal sat down with our latest cover star, @naomiackie , to reflect on her late mother’s influence and the importance of finding joy in the process.

Read the full cover story by Sebastian Cintron at theknockturnal.com
Sometimes, one film can change everything… The Kn Sometimes, one film can change everything…

The Knockturnal sat down with our latest cover star, @naomiackie , to discuss the impact of film and how The Dark Knight Rises inspired her journey as an actor.

Read the full cover story by Sebastian Cintron at theknockturnal.com
A little squirming, a lot of fun. The Knockturnal A little squirming, a lot of fun.

The Knockturnal sat down with our latest cover star, @naomiackie , to discuss Clayface, her love for horror, and the films that sparked it all.

Read the full cover story by Sebastian Cintron at theknockturnal.com
Meet Dr. Caitlyn Corr, Naomi Ackie’s latest transf Meet Dr. Caitlyn Corr, Naomi Ackie’s latest transformation.

The Knockturnal caught up with our latest cover star, @naomiackie, to discuss her role in Clayface and the journey of bringing Dr. Caitlyn Corr to life.

Read the full cover story by Sebastian Cintron at theknockturnal.com
Here’s Naomi! 🔪 For the third and final cover in Here’s Naomi! 🔪 

For the third and final cover in our spooky-season series, Naomi Ackie channels the chilling atmosphere of The Shining for The Knockturnal.

As Clayface brings her into Gotham and a new chapter of her career, Ackie opens up about the roles that scare her, the joy of acting, and trusting the journey. Reflecting on finding the right opportunities, she says, “the right things come to you at the right time when you need them.”

Read the full cover story by Sebastian Cintron at theknockturnal.com

Talent: Naomi Ackie @naomiackie
Editor-in-Chief: OJ Williams @ojwilliams4
Photographer: Ty Chen @tychenphotography @tychenofficial
Stylist: Jason Rembert @jasonrembert
Creative Director:  Ben Schmidt @equitiesmanager1
Deputy Editor: Elizabeth Taylor @liztaylorworld
Cover Story By: Sebastian Cintron @sebascintron
Makeup Artist: Daniel Martin @danielmartin
Hair Stylist: Marcia Hamilton @marciahamiltonhair
Videographer: Philíp Alexander @philipalxndr
Photographer’s Asst: Jordan Mitchell-Love @jmitchelllove
Photographer’s Asst: Celine Milien @celinemilien
Styling Asst: Wilton White @ww.ilt
Styling Asst: Jarrett Meilleur @mrjla
Production: Twelve29 Group @twelve29group
Spooky season calls for a little darkness. 🖤 Nao Spooky season calls for a little darkness. 🖤 

Naomi Ackie takes center stage on the second of three covers for The Knockturnal, inspired by the dark glamour of Queen of the Damned.

From Star Wars to Mickey17 and now Clayface, Ackie continues to embrace roles that challenge expectations. On her approach to her craft, she shares, “The biggest lesson I’ve learnt is patience is key.”

Discover our exclusive cover story by Sebastian Cintron at theknockturnal.com

Talent: Naomi Ackie @naomiackie
Editor-in-Chief: OJ Williams @ojwilliams4
Photographer: Ty Chen @tychenphotography @tychenofficial
Stylist: Jason Rembert @jasonrembert
Creative Director:  Ben Schmidt @equitiesmanager1
Deputy Editor: Elizabeth Taylor @liztaylorworld
Cover Story By: Sebastian Cintron @sebascintron
Makeup Artist: Daniel Martin @danielmartin
Hair Stylist: Marcia Hamilton @marciahamiltonhair
Videographer: Philíp Alexander @philipalxndr
Photographer’s Asst: Jordan Mitchell-Love @jmitchelllove
Photographer’s Asst: Celine Milien @celinemilien
Styling Asst: Wilton White @ww.ilt
Styling Asst: Jarrett Meilleur @mrjla
Production: Twelve29 Group @twelve29group
It’s spooky season, and Naomi Ackie is taking over It’s spooky season, and Naomi Ackie is taking over The Knockturnal’s latest cover! 🪓 

Inspired by the iconic psychological horror of American Psycho, our first of three covers puts Naomi in a world where fashion meets fear.

As she steps into the DC Universe in Clayface, Ackie reflects on her unconventional career journey and the lessons that have kept her grounded. As she puts it, “I've learnt since then to hold things lightly.”

Read the cover story by Sebastian Cintron at theknockturnal.com

Talent: Naomi Ackie @naomiackie
Editor-in-Chief: OJ Williams @ojwilliams4
Photographer: Ty Chen @tychenphotography @tychenofficial
Stylist: Jason Rembert @jasonrembert
Creative Director:  Ben Schmidt @equitiesmanager1
Deputy Editor: Elizabeth Taylor @liztaylorworld
Cover Story By: Sebastian Cintron @sebascintron
Makeup Artist: Daniel Martin @danielmartin
Hair Stylist: Marcia Hamilton @marciahamiltonhair
Videographer: Philíp Alexander @philipalxndr
Photographer’s Asst: Jordan Mitchell-Love @jmitchelllove
Photographer’s Asst: Celine Milien @celinemilien
Styling Asst: Wilton White @ww.ilt
Styling Asst: Jarrett Meilleur @mrjla
Production: Twelve29 Group @twelve29group
@theebillyporter is ready for his Capitol close-up @theebillyporter is ready for his Capitol close-up!

When Billy Porter makes an entrance, the look is never an afterthought, so it is only fitting that, as he steps into the world of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, he takes on the role of a Capitol stylist.

The Knockturnal sat down with Porter who opened up about bringing a little bite to the world of Panem, one snakeskin ensemble at a time.

Read more at theknockturnal.com
It’s time for a Glee boot! 🎤 The New Directions a It’s time for a Glee boot! 🎤

The New Directions are getting an encore! #Glee is officially making its way back to our screens, with Disney+ and Hulu ordering a reboot of the beloved musical comedy.

The revival has been a topic of conversation for months, with co-creator Ryan Murphy repeatedly teasing the possibility of a return. The new series will come from 20th Television, the studio behind the original hit.

The official Glee Instagram account confirmed the news with a post declaring, “It’s official, Glee is returning.”

We’re not Glee-king out, YOU are!
In Crete, shoulder season has never felt so charmi In Crete, shoulder season has never felt so charming.

Look up the location of Chania, Crete in a travel guide and your eyes will be filled with visions of winding stone-paved lanes lined with artisan shops and restaurants showcasing Cretan cuisine.

Thanks to Hilton, a new destination made for the best of shoulder season seekers is crowned. A regal gem found in treasures, Chania is the perfect place to go and be all things Greek in autumn and even the holiday season.

Read more at theknockturnal.com
In the Off-Broadway play ‘The Ask’, the deepest di In the Off-Broadway play ‘The Ask’, the deepest divide is not between left and right, but within the left itself.

The play brings together Greta (Golden Globe nominee Marilu Henner), a longtime ACLU donor on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, and Tanner (Emmy nominee Shannon Purser), the young representative sent to secure a substantial contribution. While initially united by progressive values, their conversation quickly exposes a widening generational and ideological rift.

Henner and Purser deliver performances that keep an ideological debate grounded in recognizable human emotion.

Read more at theknockturnal.com
An evening that brought two distinct culinary pers An evening that brought two distinct culinary perspectives into the same Midtown kitchen…

LOLITA welcomed the flavors of Baja California Sur to New York for a one-night culinary collaboration with Corazón Cabo Resort & Spa, bringing Chefs JC Colón and Eric de Maeyer together for a tasting experience complemented by agave-driven cocktail pairings from Beverage Director Marshall Minaya.

Read more at theknockturnal.com
The next era of Delta is taking flight with an ele The next era of Delta is taking flight with an elevated Delta One. ✈️ 

The sky welcomes a lavish world of wonder with a journey full of the very best in airline dining, hospitality and rest.

Available first on transoceanic Delta One routes departing Los Angeles International Airport this fall plans are for the specialty line to expand across the full global network in early 2027.

Read more at theknockturnal.com
Drawing on journal entries and memories from her l Drawing on journal entries and memories from her late twenties, IS THIS THE END? documents a period of change that Cutler was still trying to make sense of as she lived through it. 

The Knockturnal caught up with Chelsea to talk about writing her way through her twenties, coming to terms with getting older and figuring out what comes next.

Read more at theknockturnal.com
Grab your finest hat and call the horse and carria Grab your finest hat and call the horse and carriage! The women of #TheGildedAge are back for more.

Carrie Coon, Cynthia Nixon, and Sonja Warfield stopped by PaleyFest to share behind-the-scenes stories and tease what’s ahead in Season 4.

The cult favorite HBO series returns November 1.

Read more at theknockturnal.com
Who says LA doesn’t do theater?  Marisa Tomei, Ro Who says LA doesn’t do theater? 

Marisa Tomei, Rosanna Arquette, Lois Smith, Natasha Rothwell, Rob Morrow and a roster of film, television and theater performers gathered Tuesday night at The Wallis in Beverly Hills for THIS IS CRAZY!, a one-night-only benefit performance. 

Read more at theknockturnal.com
A night of impact, driven by a shared commitment t A night of impact, driven by a shared commitment to youth mental health.

@selenagomez hosted the 4th Annual Rare Impact Fund Benefit in Los Angeles, continuing the mission to expand access to mental health resources for young people worldwide.

Through its commitment to donate 1% of sales to the Rare Impact Fund, the organization supports the Fund’s work alongside 30 nonprofit partners across five continents, reaching more than 3.5 million young people each year.

Sharing a message of hope via Instagram, Gomez wrote, “I hope everyone who asks for help knows they’re never alone, and that there will always be someone there to listen, support them, and remind them they matter.”
Follow on Instagram

About The Site

We are a collective of creative tastemakers made up of fashion, music and entertainment industry insiders. It’s all about access. You want it. We have it.

Terms Of Use

Privacy Policy

Meet The Team

CONTACT US

For general inquiries and more info on The Knockturnal, please contact our staff at:
info@theknockturnal.com
fashion@theknockturnal.com
advertising@theknockturnal.com
editorial@theknockturnal.com
beauty@theknockturnal.com

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

© Copyright - The Knockturnal

The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch