This will be Hart’s second stint as BET Awards emcee and comes 14 years after his inaugural gig in 2011. But his history with the network stretches back to 2008 when he hosted ComicView: One Mic Stand, a new iteration of BET’s signature stand-up comedy showcase that premiered in the early ’90s and helped break comedians like D.L. Hughley and Sommore.
Both Hart and Hartbeat are part of BET’s present and future as well. Hart’s company revived Comic View for BET+ last year, with Mike Epps taking over as host. The streaming service is also home to Lil Kev, an animated series inspired by the actor’s childhood years that’s definitely not a children’s cartoon.
“We’ve built a strong strategic partnership with BET, not just around content, but in how we bring that content to market,” Lundy notes.
Hart’s ever-enthusiastic spirit (tunnel) is sure to add additional luster to the BET Awards’ silver anniversary year, which the network’s chief brand officer, Kimberly Paige, describes as a “major milestone” in the ongoing history of Culture’s Biggest Night.
“From concept to execution, Kevin’s energy and creativity were front and center during the host promotional shoot, resulting in a powerful campaign that sets the tone for what’s to come,” Paige teases, previewing the kind of material Hart will bring to the Peacock Theater on June 9.
Hey, if he brings the jokes, then we’ll bring the caviar-topped chicken nuggets.
