Kevin Hart’s new adult animated series, ‘Lil Kev,’ brings his childhood to life with humor, heart, and hard-hitting truths. Co-starring Wanda Sykes, the show tackles real issues within the Black community while keeping audiences entertained.
Kevin Hart has never shied away from sharing his journey. Through stand-up specials, memoirs, and docuseries, he has built an empire on storytelling. Now, with his new adult animated series Lil Kev, streaming on BET+, Hart takes his story a step further. Inspired by his childhood in North Philadelphia, the series blends comedy with real-life struggles, offering a raw yet entertaining look at growing up in a tough neighborhood.
Finding Humor in Hardship
“Now was the right time to do it because it finally came to life,” Hart explains about bringing Lil Kev to the screen. “I’ve been trying to develop it for the longest. And any opportunity that I can tell my story, I jump to it.”
The series doesn’t just aim for laughs—it shines a light on real issues in the Black community. Hart has a knack for turning difficult situations into comedic gold, but beneath the humor lies a deep sense of authenticity. He describes the show as a way to share the struggles and triumphs of his youth while giving audiences something to relate to and laugh about.
Wanda Sykes as the Ultimate TV Mom
If there was ever a perfect casting choice, it was Wanda Sykes as Kevin’s no-nonsense mother, Nancy Hart. Nancy is an ER nurse with a strict parenting style, driven by a deep love for her kids.
For Sykes, the role was a no-brainer. “It was very well written. I just got who she was. And the big thing is… I got to yell at Kevin,” she jokes. “I would skip to work just for that. I praise God that I got this part where I get to go in on him.”
Balancing the humor with the depth of a tough-love Black mom was something Sykes took seriously. “Just finding that balance… I have a Black mom. She’s yelling at you, and it’s crushing, but you can hear the love. You know what you did. You know why she’s yelling at you,” she explains. “It’s their fear of, ‘Oh my god. I don’t want anything bad to happen to you, and I want you to be better.’”
A Story Rooted in Real-Life Struggles
Lil Kev goes beyond being just another animated sitcom—it reflects the challenges many Black families face, from economic struggles to neighborhood survival. “These are things and moments that so many can relate to,” Hart tells BET. “We wanted to be honest about them, but then use humor to navigate through.”
The show captures the essence of resilience, showing how humor can be a survival tool in tough times. Hart’s ability to transform personal pain into comedic storytelling has always been his superpower, and Lil Kev embodies that spirit.
A Star-Studded Cast Brings ‘Lil Kev’ to Life
Hart assembled an all-star voice cast to bring Lil Kev to life, including Deon Cole, Gerald “Slink” Johnson, Cree Summer, Affion Crockett, and Jess Hilarious. But when it came to casting his mother, there was no question.
“Wanda was a no-brainer,” Hart says. “She was not a meeting. She was not a discussion. It was not a round table.”
Sykes laughs, adding, “I wish you would’ve asked me to have a meeting. I would have flipped the table over.”
Hart smirks, “I know. That’s why I didn’t ask. But if I had asked, you would’ve flipped the table over, and I would’ve caught it mid-flip and put it right back down.”
Kevin Hart’s Ever-Growing Legacy
Beyond the laughs, Lil Kev is a testament to Hart’s journey—from a struggling kid in Philly to a global comedy icon. When asked about his legacy, Hart reflects, “You know, you’re just trying to create an amazing resume at the end of the day. This is like a vision board.”
He adds, “What do I want it to mean? Is it for me to say, or is it for other people to say? Like, ‘Here’s your legacy because here’s what you were to us.’ And then I’m able to say, ‘Oh my God. Thank you.’”
More Than Just an Animated Show
At its core, Lil Kev is a love letter to Hart’s roots. It captures the essence of Black family dynamics, the resilience of communities, and the humor that helps people push through life’s toughest moments. With his signature wit, Hart has turned his childhood into a relatable, laugh-out-loud series that also carries an important message.
With Lil Kev, Kevin Hart is doing what he does best—making people laugh while making them think. And in today’s world, that balance is more valuable than ever.
