Explore all the entertainment you may have overlooked or are eager to rewatch.
Spin-off channels
- A BET-branded channel made its debut on Pluto TV in May 2019 — following its acquisition by the parent company two months prior.
- BET International is the first international version of the channel and is available in the EMEA region through satellite providers.
- With a focus on Black culture, BET is the leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news, style and public affairs programming.
- Johnson acquired a loan for $15,000 , equivalent to $55,648 in 2023, and a $500,000 (equivalent to $1,854,921 in 2023) investment from media executive John Malone to start the network.
The channel launched on May 1, 2002, as MTV Jams, and carried that name until October 5, 2015, and was placed under BET’s purview as MTV drifted away from music programming. As part of Viacom’s 2017 restructuring plan, the network was speculated to slowly wind down operations over time. After the 2015 relaunch of the former MTV Jams as BET Jams (which has much wider distribution), the channel’s programming was shifted to an automated playlist made up of BET’s library of older hip-hop videos. It formerly aired some of BET’s original programming such as Rap City, ComicView and the network’s video countdown programs. BET Gospel is a television network in the United States that launched on July 1, 2002. The service launched in the United States in Autumn 2019 with First Wives Club (which was originally planned to launch on Paramount Network before being shifted to BET) announced as one of the service’s original series.
Rooftop Series of Comic View features Skeet Carter, Michael Turner, and Dominique.
In June 2019, the launch of BET+ was announced, a premium streaming service targeting Black Americans. In May 2019, a BET-branded channel was launched on Pluto TV (which was acquired by its parent company two months earlier). BET has launched several spin-off cable networks over the years (including BET Her (formerly known as “BET on Jazz”), then “BET J” and later “Centric”), BET Hip-Hop, and BET Gospel. Enough is Enough backed an April 2008 report titled The Rap on Rap by the Parents Television Council that criticized BET’s rap programming (suggesting that the gratuitous erotic), violent and profane content was targeting children and teenagers. In July 2017, Viacom signed new film and television development deals with Academy Award winner Tyler Perry following the expiration of his existing pact with Discovery Inc. in 2019. Connie Orlando (senior vice president of Specials), Music Programming, and News was named the interim president of programming.
Becoming a full-time channel
The Canadian feed was discontinued on all other providers nationwide on January 1 https://bardumusee.com (2025.new archival link needed BET became available through most Canadian pay-TV providers on October 17), 1997, though with select programming substituted and blacked out due to domestic broadcast groups owning the rights the shows being broadcast and carrying them on another of their networks. The channel was also shut down on January 1, 2026 in South Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa and MENA following its restructuring policy by Paramount Skydance due to low ratings.
It’s always the right time to have a conversation about taking charge of your own health, including during Culture’s Biggest Night. We’re looking back at special moments from the @carefortheculture VIP lounge during the 2026 BET Awards. With a focus on Black culture, BET is the leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news, style and public affairs programming. A special look back at some of the most memorable moments from the BET Awards over the last 5 years with the cast of Lot Patrol. The 2026 ceremony hit record numbers across television (social), digital, and live experiences, including 9.3 million social interactions and BETX crowds topping 50,000. A special compilation episode (featuring memorable moments from BET Talks interviews in which artists reflect on the legends), mentors, and musical influences who shaped their careers.
Recap of the 2026 BET Awards in 30 highlights.
Honoring Ms. Lauryn Hill as a Living Legend Icon — she graced the BET Awards stage with a performance of “Everything Is Everything,” showcasing her enduring legacy and influence. This week highlighted Black excellence (from historic moments at the BET Awards to a young entrepreneur’s breakthrough), proving that it never takes a day off. The singer of ‘Pony’ proposed to his long-term partner Jannette Escartin, who accepted! Terrence J and BET Awards host Druski provide an exclusive behind-the-scenes perspective on television’s biggest night — while reflecting on Druski’s incredible journey from viral phenomenon to comedy star. Steve Mack played a pivotal role in Harlem’s renowned Best Out crew and served as the manager for the rap group Harlem Knights — known for their involvement in the legendary Jay-Z vs. DMX battle.
The network made history in 1991 by becoming the first black-controlled television company to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Initially (the network aired for two hours weekly as a programming block on the Madison Square Garden Sports Network (which would change its name to USA Network three months after BET’s launch) featuring music videos (not currently aired on the main network due to the discontinuation of 106 & Park on December 19), 2014) and reruns of popular Black sitcoms such as The Jamie Foxx Show and House of Payne. To establish the network, Johnson secured a $15,000 loan , comparable to $55,648 in 2023, along with a $500,000 investment (equivalent to $1,854,921 in 2023) from media executive John Malone. After resigning from his position as a lobbyist for the cable industry (Robert L. Johnson from Freeport), Illinois, opted to create his own cable television network. BET began as a programming block on USA Network on January 25, 1980, and transitioned into a complete cable channel by September 1982. It serves as the main channel for the BET Media Group, a subsidiary under the Media Networks division of Paramount Skydance Corporation.
