This cultural history of the beloved nineties sitcom that launched Will Smith's career offers never-before-told stories based on exclusive interviews with the show's cast, creators, writers, and crew who all helped redefine America's understanding of race, sex, parenthood, and class.

Prologue -- Introduction -- Born and raised -- Straight outta Shaker Heights -- Who says no to Quincy Jones? -- Meet the Bankses -- Showtime -- A fresh start -- Will and Carlton explain the (Black) world -- "What's on the menu?" -- "Keep your hands where I can see them" -- "Andy and Susan have left the building" -- A brief history of the Black family sitcom -- "On this very special episode..." -- The pregnant aunt of Bel-Air -- "They ain't never met a nigga like me" -- "How come he don't want me?" -- Hitting their stride -- All good things -- Epilogue.