The first season of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air premiered on September 10, 1990, and concluded on May 6, 1991.

The season focuses on Will Smith arriving to live with his wealthy relatives at their Bel Air mansion, and his adaptation to living with them and his cousins, alongside his impact on their lives with various issues.

The Fresh Prince Project, the show's pilot, focuses on Will's move to Bel Air, following a fight with some gang members in West Philadelphia when playing basketball; the opening intro credits, which provide a brief overlay of his move, originally featured an extended song piece for the first couple of episodes, before being reduced to the song more commonly associated to the program.

Significant plot points in the season focus on the development of Will's part in Ashley's childhood and the bond he forms with her, his relationship with Carlton including his attitude and behaviour towards his cousin, and the clash of personalities with Philips' desire to form a perfect family in their wealthy neighbourhood and Will's desire to bring some normality to it.

Some of stories written for the season notably touched on significant topics such as family roots, racial profiling, honesty, growing up, and equal rights.