Today, BET+ and Hartbeat, the global entertainment company founded by Kevin Hart, announce Lil Kev, the first original adult animated series for BET+. From the mind of actor, stand-up comedian and executive producer Hart, the series is set to premiere in the Spring of 2025.
“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,” said Scott Mills, President & 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.”
Synopsis: Inspired by the childhood and comedy of the two-time New York Times best-selling author, the half-hour series takes a humorous, satirical and subversive approach to real-life issues he experienced with no-holds-barred comedy and no words off limits.
Set in 1993 North Philadelphia, 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 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 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.
Wanda Sykes is set to star as Kevin’s hardworking and God-fearing mother, Nancy, alongside Deon Cole, who stars as Uncle Richard Jr., Nancy’s formerly incarcerated, fully-ripped, hustling younger brother. Additional casting to be announced.
“I’m excited to deepen the partnership between Hartbeat and BET on a project so close to my heart,” said 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.”
“The story of Lil Kev is one we knew we wanted to develop from the moment it was pitched,” said Jason Harvey, EVP, Strategy & Operations at BET+. “Adding the dynamic cast to support that storytelling made the project the perfect fit for our subscribers because it allows us to better represent the multifaceted experiences across our diverse audience of comedy and animation enthusiasts,” added Harvey.
Hart executive produces for Harbeat alongside Bryan Smiley, Jeff Clanagan, Mike Stein and Candice Wilson Cherry. 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. Jason Harvey and Rose Catherine Pinkney will executive produce for BET+
ShadowMachine led animation for the series, with Hartbeat funding the development and overall production.
