BET+ has added its first adult animated comedy, inspired by Kevin Hart‘s childhood.
Lil Kev is a half-hour series that takes a humorous, satirical, and subversive approach to real-life issues he experienced with no-holds-barred comedy and no words off limits. The BET+ and Hartbeat series will premiere in the spring.
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.
Set in 1993 North Philadelphia, 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.
“I’m excited to deepen the partnership between Hartbeat and BET on a project so close to my heart,” says 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.”
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+.
