The Full Story Behind Geoffrey and His Son in ‘Bel-Air’

Season 1 of Bel-Air primarily focused on telling Will’s story and developing his relationships with all the Banks. In season 2, we get a glimpse of Geoffrey’s backstory as well.

Geoffrey Thompson is the Banks’ House Manager. But more than that, he is a great friend to everyone in the family who always has their best interests at heart. He helps Will adjust to his new life when he first moves to Bel-Air and the two slowly form a special bond.

In season 2, episode 6, it is revealed that Geoffrey left his son, Frederick, in England many years ago to start a new life in America. However, Frederick’s mother eventually gave him up for adoption as she couldn’t take care of him on her own.

This storyline is very similar to the one in the parent series, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Geoffrey (Butler) also has a son named Frederick who lives in London. The only difference is that Geoffrey didn’t know he had a son until Frederick tracked him down.

In the series finale of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Geoffrey returns to England to spend more time with his son.

Why Did Geoffrey Leave His Son?

Geoffrey reveals to Will that he used to be part of a gang when he was still living in London. There, he was involved in some illegal activities as he believed they were his only means of survival.

Geoffrey’s old lifestyle in London was becoming a threat to his family, so he approached an uncle for help. This uncle agreed to take care of Geoffrey’s son, Frederick, and Frederick’s mother, provided that Geoffrey cut off all ties with the family.

Thinking he was doing the right thing, Geoffrey left his family and came to America to start a new life.

However, Frederick’s mother eventually found it too difficult to take care of him on her own and hence, she gave him up for adoption.

Although it was a closed adoption, Phil and Viv have been keeping track of Frederick’s whereabouts for a few years, as per Geoffrey’s request. Geoffrey only wants to make sure his son is leading a happy life but he specifically asks the Banks not to reveal his son’s location to him.

Frederick is now 22 years old and he still lives in London.

Will Geoffrey and His Son Reunite in the Future?

In episode 5 of season 2, Geoffrey suddenly feels the urge to find his son and explain the truth to him. After Phil and Viv catch him riffling through drawers in Phil’s office, they decide to give him the file they’ve been keeping on Frederick.

Geoffrey is obviously feeling guilty for the way he initially handled the situation with his family and his life in London. But the latest episode of Bel-Air tells us that he is ready to rectify his mistakes and explain the whole truth about his absence to his son.

When Geoffrey tells Will how he feels, Will is able to relate. He advises Geoffrey to find his son so that Frederick can get some closure. When Geoffrey says he is afraid of ruining his son’s life, Will assures him that anyone would be proud to call him their father.

Geoffrey was the one who helped Will meet his father. Although that interaction didn’t go well, it was essential for Will to find out the actual reason his father abandoned him. This explains why, in this situation, he understands what the best thing to do is.

Since Geoffrey did Will a huge favour of finding his father, Will now wants to return it. At the end of episode 6, he suggests to Phil and Viv that they help Geoffrey reunite with Frederick because of how important family is to everyone.

Based on recent events, we will most probably see a reunion between Geoffrey and his son by the end of the season. Hopefully the interaction goes better than Will and his father’s.

About Bel-Air

Bel-Air is an American drama television series developed by Morgan Cooper, Malcolm Spellman, TJ Brady, and Rasheed Newson. It is a reimagined version of the 90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air . In March 2023, it was renewed for a third season.

The series stars Jabari Banks as Will Smith, with Adrian Holmes, Cassandra Freeman, Coco Jones, Olly Sholotan, Jimmy Akingbola, Akira Akbar, Jordan L Jones, and Simone Joy Jones.

The story follows Will Smith’s complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. It dives deep into racial tension, culture shock, and black excellence.