In a move that feels both inevitable and electrifying, Kevin Hart is set to host the 25th annual BET Awards on June 9th. But this isn’t just another hosting gig for the Emmy-winning comedian and mogul—it’s a full-circle celebration of a partnership, legacy, and cultural impact that has been decades in the making. As Hart steps onto the Peacock Theater stage in Los Angeles, he’s not only emceeing an awards show; he’s championing 25 years of Black excellence, and doing it with the unstoppable energy that has come to define his brand.
Kevin Hart’s return to the BET Awards is a full-circle cultural moment
Hart’s connection to BET runs deeper than most. From his early days hosting Comic View: One Night Stand in 2008, to executive producing and starring in Real Husbands of Hollywood, and now with his adult animated series Lil Kev on BET+, Hart has evolved alongside the network. His Hartbeat production company’s collaboration with BET is more than a business relationship—it’s a creative alliance built on cultural resonance.
“For over a decade, Kevin Hart has been a beloved part of the BET family,” said BET president and CEO Scott Mills. And the sentiment echoes across the network. When fans, celebrities, and the streets were asked who should helm this milestone event, one name dominated the chorus: Kevin Hart. It’s not just about name recognition—it’s about what Hart represents to the BET audience: relentless hustle, comedic brilliance, and a genuine connection to the culture.
Celebrating 25 years of the BET Awards with a black-tie blast
The 25th anniversary of the BET Awards promises to be more than a ceremony; it’s a celebration of a quarter-century of cultural artistry. Music, film, TV, sports—every sphere of Black excellence that the BET platform has honored will be spotlighted. And Kevin Hart, never one to play it safe, is tasked with turning this historic night into a black-tie affair with “all the stops” pulled out.
“Y’all thought I was done after the first time? Nah,” Hart wrote in a social media post announcing his return as host. “I had to come back and do it BIGGER.” And bigger is exactly what BET is promising. With a lineup of performers that includes Buju Banton, The Roots, Lil’ Kim, Redman & Method Man, and bone-thugs-n-harmony, among others, the stage is set for a multi-venue, multi-genre celebration. And fans are already speculating whether Hart’s alter ego, Chocolate Droppa, will make a musical cameo.
‘Lil Kev’ and the next chapter of Kevin Hart’s cultural storytelling
Hart’s recent foray into adult animation with Lil Kev marks a new chapter in his storytelling arsenal. Inspired by his own turbulent childhood, the series blends humor with heart in a way that mirrors Hart’s evolution as a creator. It’s a project that BET+ proudly champions, and one that further cements Hart’s role not just as a performer, but as a content architect.
“We’re eager to expand our partnership and continue to bring groundbreaking projects to life,” Mills said, underscoring the network’s commitment to growing with Hart. And with Lil Kev, Hart isn’t just looking back at where he came from—he’s imagining where he can still go. The BET Awards may be a live event, but for Hart, it’s also an opportunity to brand-build in real-time, and to celebrate a culture that has supported him every step of the way.
Kevin Hart’s unstoppable energy turns celebration into legacy
There’s a certain symmetry in Hart hosting the BET Awards on their 25th anniversary. It’s a milestone for the network, and a statement for Hart, who describes himself as someone who “loves a celebration.” For him, this isn’t just about hosting—it’s about honoring a legacy, reflecting on unforgettable moments, and creating new ones.
“This year marks the 25th anniversary, and my partners at Hartbeat, BET, and JCE are pulling out all the stops to make it a night to remember,” Hart said. And if his career—spanning comedy, film, television, and now animation—has taught us anything, it’s that Kevin Hart doesn’t just show up. He levels up.
As the culture’s biggest night approaches, one thing is clear: with Kevin Hart at the helm, the 25th BET Awards won’t just celebrate the past 25 years—they’ll ignite the next 25.