Kevin Hart’s Animated Childhood: Lil Kev is Coming to BET+

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For the first time ever, BET Plus has commissioned an adult animated series titled “Lil Kev,” inspired by the youth of comedian Kevin Hart. This 30-minute production, coming from Hart’s own studio, Hartbeat Productions, is scheduled for release this coming spring.

In this project, Hart takes on the role of executive producer and voices the main character, with Wanda Sykes portraying his mother named Nancy. Deon Cole has been confirmed to play Uncle Richard Jr. The show, titled “Lil Kev,” is set in 1993 North Philadelphia and follows a 12-year-old Hart as the central figure.

Because it’s a comedy focusing on adult themes, the streaming service stated that the show adopts a humorous, satirical, and rebellious perspective when addressing genuine life situations, using uncensored and unrestricted humor with no taboo topics spared. Further casting details will be shared at a later time.

Wanda Sykes will portray Kevin’s diligent and devout mother, Nancy. Meanwhile, Deon Cole takes on the role of Uncle Richard Jr., Nancy’s muscularly fit and enterprising younger brother who served time in prison previously. Further cast members will be revealed later.

Hart is thrilled about strengthening the alliance between Hartbeat and BET for a project dear to him. In his declaration, he mentioned the collaboration with comedy legends Wanda and Deon, as they bring to life Lil Kev – a side-splitting tribute that draws inspiration from his roots in Philadelphia, a place he will forever cherish as home.

1993 North Philadelphia serves as the backdrop for the adult animated series “Lil Kev,” which chronicles the life of 12-year-old Kevin Hart. His vivid imagination and indomitable spirit often clash with the harsh realities of his neighborhood, but he faces these challenges with humor and resilience. Meanwhile, his mother Nancy, who works as an E.R. nurse, struggles to balance her night shifts with her efforts to keep Kev on the straight and narrow. This is no small task, given the influence of Kev’s older brother Robert, who is prone to mischief, and the chaotic attempts of their father Henry to win Nancy back. Additionally, Richard Jr., Kev’s ex-convict uncle, offers questionable guidance. Despite these obstacles, Lil Kev manages to navigate his tumultuous upbringing with wit, determination, and kindness, surrounded by a cast of unforgettable characters who will ultimately propel him towards comedy greatness.

Kevin Hart and his entertainment company, Hartbeat, have been collaborating with BET on various projects lately. These collaborations span from the reboot of “Real Husbands of Hollywood” titled “More Kevin, More Problems,” which premiered in 2022, to a new iteration of BET’s renowned stand-up comedy series “Comic View” slated for 2023. Hartbeat is further developing a project called “Moorewood Family Rules,” where Taraji P. Henson will star and serve as executive producer, with Justin Simien (“Dear White People”) taking on directing and executive producing roles, for BET Studios and other partners.

Scott Mills, president/CEO of BET Media Group, announced that “Lil Kev” represents a significant step forward for BET+ as they broaden their collection of content with daring, innovative, and culturally relevant storytelling. The distinctive comedic style of Kevin Hart has been well-received across our platforms, and we’re ecstatic to share his personal tale through this revolutionary adult animated series. With a stellar cast and a genuine narrative based on Kevin’s real experiences, Lil Kev promises to mesmerize viewers and cement BET+ as the destination for Black storytelling in its myriad forms.

Bryan Smiley, Jeff Clanagan, Mike Stein, Candice Wilson Cherry serve as executive producers for Hartbeat Productions, the company financing and overseeing the show’s creation and filming. Tiffany Brown of Hartbeat is a co-executive producer, while Matthew Claybrooks and Michael Price take on dual roles as both executive producers and showrunners. Alex Bulkley and Corey Campodonico are the executive producers for ShadowMachine Animation Studios, responsible for the series’ animation. Jason Harvey and Rose Catherine Pinkney serve in their roles as executive producers for BET+.

Jason Harvey, exec VP of strategy and operations at BET+, shared that ‘Lil Kev’s story was one we eagerly wanted to bring to life since it was initially proposed. With a vibrant cast on board, this project aligns perfectly with our subscribers because it enables us to portray the varied experiences within our wide-ranging fan base of comedy and animation fans.

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2025-01-27 20:23