BET+ and Hartbeat announce “LIL KEV,” the first original adult animated series for BET+.
Created from the mind of actor, stand-up comedian, and executive producer, Kevin Hart, “LIL KEV” is set to premiere in the Spring of 2025.
Wanda Sykes and Deon Cole will star alongside Kevin Hart.
Inspired by the childhood and comedy of Kevin Hart, the half-hour series set in 1993 North Philadelphia takes a humorous, satirical, and subversive approach to real-life issues Hart experienced with no-holds-barred comedy, and no words off limits.
The adult animated series “LIL KEV” follows 12-year-old Kevin Hart, whose wild imagination and unshakable optimism constantly collide with his neighborhood’s harsh realities. At the same time, his no-nonsense mother Nancy (Wanda Sykes) juggles night shifts as an E.R. nurse while waging a one-woman war to keep Kev on track – no easy feat with his mischievous older brother Robert blazing all the wrong trails, his trainwreck father Henry’s outrageous attempts to win Nancy back, and his ex-con uncle Richard Jr.’s (Deon Cole) questionable life advice.
Through it all, Lil Kev navigates his rocky upbringing with humor, hustle, and heart, surrounded by the unforgettable characters who will propel him to comedy superstardom.
“I’m excited to deepen the partnership between Hartbeat and BET on a project so close to my heart,” states Kevin Hart. “With comedy veterans Wanda and Deon alongside me, we’re bringing Lil Kev to life—a hilarious celebration of stories inspired by my Philly roots, a place that will always be home to me.”
UB spoke to Kevin Hart in 2013 and asked him then, how old he was when he realized he was funny? “I would say I was probably about 10 years old. I had to go to a family reunion and I did an impression of my Mom and her sisters. So I had like this big sweat suit on and I put a bunch of balloons in it and that was supposed to be their butts and chest.” Kevin went on to say; “My family was rolling and I had people on the floor and that’s when I was like “I’m a bad dude. I’m pretty damn funny. I’m gonna be the next Lenny Bruce.”
“Lil Kev marks an exciting milestone for BET+ as we continue to expand our content portfolio with bold, fresh, and culturally resonant 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 adult animated series,” says Scott Mills, President and CEO of BET Media Group. “With an all-star cast and an authentic narrative rooted in Kevin’s real-life experiences, Lil Kev is sure to captivate audiences and further solidify BET+ as the home for Black storytelling in all its forms.”
Kevin Hart, Bryan Smiley, Jeff Clanagan, Mike Stein, and Candice Wilson Cherry will executive produce for Hartbeat, the studio on the project. Hartbeat’s Tiffany Brown acts as co-executive producer. Matthew Claybrooks and Michael Price serve as both EPs and showrunners. Alex Bulkley and Corey Campodonico will also executive produce for ShadowMachine.
ShadowMachine led animation for the series, with Hartbeat funding the development and overall production. Jason Harvey and Rose Catherine Pinkney will executive produce for BET+.
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