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Anniversary Of ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’s’ Most Heartbreaking Scene Has Twitter In Its Feelings

An underrated performance from “Uncle Phil” is getting some love.

25 years ago today (May 9), the most famous scene of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was broadcast to the world.

The episode is from season four and is titled “Papa’s Got a Brand New Excuse.” It features Will Smith reuniting with his father, Lou, who abandoned his family when Will was young and perhaps an element as to why he famously had to move from West Philadelphia to Bel-Air.

During the first part of the episode, Will is hesitant whether to even let his father back into his life after 14 years, and as the story progresses, they get closer and closer. In the final scene, however, Lou informs Uncle Phil, played by James Avery, that he’s going to hit the road solo rather than go on a cross-country trip he and his son planned together. He almost leaves before Will enters the room and Lou has to break the news to him.

It produces one of the most memorable and tear-inducing conclusions to a sitcom episode in history. We won’t spoil it if you haven’t seen it before. See it below and prepare for the tears.

  • Social media is collectively remembering the touching scene — and the late James Avery’s performance in particular. To the point that “Uncle Phil” was trending on Twitter. See some of the best takes, below.

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