This is going to be good!
Kevin Hart is taking us back to the streets of North Philadelphia in the early ‘90s with his new adult animated series Lil Kev, marking BET+’s first foray into adult animated storytelling. With a star-studded cast including comedy legends Wanda Sykes and Deon Cole, this groundbreaking series is set to premiere this spring, Variety reports.
Rooted in Hart’s real-life experiences, Lil Kev follows a 12-year-old version of the comedian as he navigates life with his unstoppable imagination and humor. His mother, Nancy, played by Sykes, is a hardworking ER nurse fighting to keep him on the right path, while his formerly incarcerated uncle Richard Jr., voiced by Cole, doles out questionable wisdom. From his mischievous older brother to his unpredictable father, Kev’s world is a blend of chaos, laughter, and resilience—perfectly capturing the spirit of the comedian’s journey from North Philly to superstardom.
Hart, who serves as an executive producer under his Hartbeat production banner, describes the series as a “hilarious celebration” of his roots. “I’m excited to deepen the partnership between Hartbeat and BET on a project so close to my heart,” he shared. “With comedy veterans Wanda and Deon alongside me, we’re bringing Lil Kev to life.”
BET Media Group president and CEO Scott Mills called the show “an exciting milestone” for BET+, reinforcing its commitment to bold, culturally rich storytelling. “Kevin Hart’s unique comedic voice has long been a favorite across our platforms, and we’re thrilled to bring his personal journey to life through this groundbreaking series.”
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Lil Kev promises to push boundaries with its no-holds-barred humor, satirical lens, and raw authenticity. With Hartbeat’s powerhouse production team and the creative expertise of animation studio ShadowMachine, this series is set to break new ground for Black-led animated content.
Hartbeat has been expanding its creative partnership with BET in recent years, bringing projects like Real Husbands of Hollywood: More Kevin, More Problems in 2022 and the revival of Comic View to the platform in 2023. Hartbeat is also currently developing a show starring Taraji P. Henson called “Moorewood Family Rules,” with Justin Simien (Dear White People) acting as director and executive producer. Now, with Lil Kev, Hart and his team are taking storytelling to new heights—this time, through animation.
Cover photo: Kevin Hart Announces Release of ‘Lil Kev,’ the First Original Animated Series on BET+/Photo credit: Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images