He’s a successful comedian, actor, business owner, and investor, now Kevin Hart is venturing into the world of animation with his series, Lil Kev.
Lil Kev takes us back to Kevin Hart’s childhood, specifically, North Philadelphia in 1993. The series follows 12-year-old Kevin on adventures with his family and friends. Inspired by Hart’s real-life upbringing, many of his famed stand-up bits come to life in the show. His ex-con uncle, Richard Jr., his nurse mother, and older brother, Robert, are all here along with many more colorful characters.
Premiering on March 6, 2025, Lil Kev places Kevin Hart among a long list of stand-up comedians who have created animated television series over the years. Bill Cosby was the first, with the hugely popular and long-running Fat Albert & the Cosby Kids in the 1970s. Like Lil Kev, that series was also set in North Philadelphia. Decades later, Cosby returned with Little Bill for a new generation. Other stand-up comedians who’ve ventured into animation include Chris Rock with his 2024 reboot Everybody Still Hates Chris, Eddie Murphy’s The PJ’s, Damon Wayans’ Waynehead, former SNL star Jon Lovitz’s The Critic, Life With Louie from Louie Anderson, Bobby’s World starring Howie Mandel, the duo of Patrice O’Neal and Nick DePaolo with Shorties Watchin’ Shorties, and Roseanne Barr’s Little Rosey.
An all-star cast brings LIL KEV to life:
- Wanda Sykes as Nancy, Lil Kev’s mom
- Deon Cole as Uncle Richard Jr.
- Slink Johnson as Henry, Lil Kev’s father
- Jamar Neighbors as big brother Robert
- Cree Summer as Kev’s best friend, Gerald
- Anjelah Johnson-Reyes as Marisol, Kev’s mother’s best friend
- We Ani as Rhe Rhe, Lil Kev’s childhood crush
- Affion Crockett as Darnell, Uncle Richard Jr.’s homie from prison
- Jess Hilarious as Loretta
Jess Hilarious and Ms. Pat also star, while Loretta Devine and DJ Quik (who also created the theme music) will make guest appearances.
Kevin Hart executive produces for Hartbeat Productions, with Tiffany Johnson as co-executive producer. Bryan Smiley, Jeff Clanagan, Mike Stein, and Candice Wilson Cherry also serve as executive producers. Mathew Claybrooks and Michael Price are executive producers and showrunners. Alex Bulkley and Corey Campodonico executive produce for ShadowMachine. Jason Harvey and Rose Catherine Pinkney executive produce for BET+.
LIL KEV airs on BET+, BET’s streaming platform.
Check out the trailer.
