BET+ and Hartbeat, announced that Gerald “Slink” Johnson, series regular, and guest stars Jamar Neighbors, Cree Summer, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, and Patricia “Ms. Pat” Williams have joined the highly anticipated adult animated series “Lil Kev,” premiering on March 6, 2025, only on BET+. Also set to guest star are Wé Ani, Mo Collins, Affion Crockett, Tyree Elaine, Justin Hires, Rick Ingraham, Jayden Libran, Freddy Lockhart, and Aiko Tanaka.
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 (Sykes) 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 (Neighbors) blazing all the wrong trails, his trainwreck father Henry’s outrageous attempts to win Nancy back, and his ex-con uncle Richard Jr.’s (Cole) 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.
Gerald “Slink” Johnson (Black Jesus, White Men Can’t Jump) plays “Henry” who has a troubled past tainted by addiction. Henry’s many vices have doomed his relationship with Nancy. Still, despite his many problems and underneath all the liquor, Henry is a good man with a good heart who wants to be a good dad to Kev and Robert.
Jamar Neighbors (Keanu, The Carmichael Show) plays “Robert,” Kev’s much taller 16-year-old “glass half-empty” older brother. Kev calls him “Negative Ned” because he constantly shits all over Kevin’s dreams and covers up his shitting-overs with the catch-all excuse that he’s “just keeping it real.” Robert is a hustler who’s all about making cash money.
Cree Summer (Abbott Elementary, Atlantis: The Lost Empire) plays “Gerald,” Kev’s larger-than-life best friend known for his sharp humor and constant trash talk. He’s really good at playing the dozens because he’s been talked about so much he had to learn how to fight back.
Anjelah Johnson-Reyes (Mad TV, Anjelah Johnson: Not Fancy) plays “Marisol,” Nancy’s shady best friend and coworker at the hospital. Marisol grew up hard, and because of this, developed thick skin and street savvy. It is extremely apparent she has the hots for the city councilman, Coleman Bridges.
Patricia “Ms. Pat” Williams (The Ms. Pat Show, Ms. Pat Settles It) plays “Tiki,” a short-tempered woman who won’t let anything stand in the way of a hair appointment. She is also Dirty Dante’s mom and a gambling addict who rides the highs and lows of life at the casino. Tiki lives life on her own terms and doesn’t care what people think.
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, and Musa Brooker acts as supervising director. Jason Harvey and Rose Catherine Pinkney will executive produce for BET+.
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
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