BET+ is expanding its programming slate with its first-ever adult animated series, Lil Kev. This half-half series draws inspiration from renowned comedian Kevin Hart’s childhood. Marking a significant milestone for the iconic platform, the show was given a release date sometime in Spring. Hart’s production company, Hartbeat, will produce it, and the comedian will be the executive producer and lend his voice to the lead character.
Premise and Cast of Lil Kev
Lil Kev is set in 1993 North Philadelphia and follows the misadventures of 12-year-old Kevin Hart. Ultimately, the series explores Hart’s childhood and offers a humorous and relatable portrayal of his formative years. Building on its adult-centric comedy theme, the show boldly tackles real-life issues by embracing satire and subversion.
As a result, it delivers unapologetic humor that pushes boundaries and challenges societal norms. Ensuring that no topic is off-limits, the show’s uncompromising tone creates a refreshingly candid and humorous take on Hart’s childhood experiences.
Alongside Hart, Walda Sykes will voice his mother, Nancy, Kevin’s devoted and spiritually-driven mother, and Deon Cole as Uncle Richard Jr, Nancy’s charismatic and street-smart younger brother. While Sykes will bring a sense of warmth and authenticity to the role, Cole provides a humorous contrast to the family’s more straight-laced values with his colorful past and physique. As the show continues to take shape, expect more casting announcements to add to the series’ already impressive voice cast.
Kevin Hart Discusses His Personal Project
In a statement, Kevin Hart expressed his excitement about collaborating with BET on Lil Kev as the project holds personal significance for him. With Wanda Sykes and Deon Cole joining the cast, Hart aims to bring his Philadelphia upbringing to life in a hilarious and relatable way. Following a 12-year-old Kevin Hart, the show navigates the harsh realities of his neighborhood with wit and optimism. Despite the chaotic influences of his family members, his mother Nancy works tirelessly to keep him on track.
While Kevin Hart’s formative years unfold on screen, Lil Kev introduces a cast of unforgettable characters who shape his journey. Furthermore, each character adds depth and humor to the narrative from Hart’s older brother Robert, his well-meaning but flawed father Henry, and his unconventional uncle Richard Jr. Through it all, the show presents a heartwarming portrayal of the comedian’s rise to comedy superstardom.
Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat BET Collaboration Success
Having established a strong partnership with BET, Kevin Hart and his production company, Hartbeat, have collaborated with the company for several years. Notably, one of the projects that resulted from the partnership with a revamped version of Real Husbands of Hollywood was rebranded as More Kevin, More Problems, which premiered in 2022.
Hartbeat and BET have also teamed up to revive the popular stand-up comedy franchise Comic View in 2023. Furthermore, the company is developing a new project starring Tajari P. Henson called Moorewood Family Rules. Alongside Henson, Justin Simien will direct and executive produce the series. Lastly, BET Studios and other partners are developing the project.
Scott Mills of BET Discusses Lil Kev
According to BET Media Group President and CEO Scott Mills, Lil Kev is a significant milestone for BET+, marking a major expansion of the platform’s content portfolio. This move underscores the streaming service’s commitment to showcasing storytelling that is bold, innovative, and culturally relevant. Notably, audiences across BET’s platforms have long resonated with Kevin Hart’s distinctive comedic style.
Furthermore, Mills stated that he was excited to bring Hart’s journey to life through this groundbreaking adult animated series. The impressive voice cast and the narrative deeply rooted in Hart’s real-life experiences are poised to make Lil Kev captivate audiences and reinforce BET+’s position as a premiere destination for all forms of Black storytelling.
Production Team Behind Lil Kev
Lil Kev has an executive team comprised of several key Hartbeat players, including Kevin Hart, Bryan Smiley, Jeff Clanagan, Mike Stein, and Candice Wilson Cherry. While Hartbeat produced the series, they also funded its development and production.
Tiffany Brown of Hartbeat is co-executive producer, and the talented duo of Matthew Claybrooks and Michael Price serve as producers and showrunners. The animation studio behind the series, ShadowMachine, is represented by executive producers Alex Bulkley and Corey Campodonico. Lastly, Jason Harvey and Rose Catherine Pinkney of BET+ round out the executive production team.
