The BET Awards air on the BET channel, and are usually simulcast on several other Paramount-owned networks like MTV, MTV2, VH1, CMT, BET Her, and Pop TV in the U.S.

Main channel and time

  • The primary home for the BET Awards is the BET TV channel in the United States.
  • Recent editions have aired on a Sunday evening, with red carpet coverage around 6:00 PM ET and the main show around 8:00 PM ET.
  • The 2026 show is tentatively set for Sunday, June 14, 2026, again with BET as the main broadcast network.

Think of it as “Culture’s Biggest Night” reliably showing up on BET every June, with sister channels joining in to make sure you can’t miss it.

Other U.S. channels

Because BET is part of Paramount Global, the awards are often simulcast across several of its cable networks:

  • MTV
  • MTV2
  • VH1
  • CMT
  • BET Her
  • Pop TV

Not every one of these is guaranteed every year, but in recent years at least a few of them have carried the show alongside BET.

Streaming options

If you don’t have cable, you can still watch the BET Awards live through services that carry the BET channel.

Common options include:

  • Hulu + Live TV
  • YouTube TV
  • FuboTV
  • DirecTV Stream
  • Sling TV (in packages that include BET)

You can also use:

  • BET.com and the BET Now app, which typically offer a live stream with TV-provider login.
  • Paramount+ , which is likely to stream the show since BET is under Paramount Global.

Watching in the UK

BET as a linear TV channel shut down in the UK in 2021, so UK viewers usually rely on on‑demand and streaming.

Typical UK options for BET Awards coverage include:

  • My5 (Channel 5’s streaming platform) – often gets the show after the U.S. broadcast.
  • Pluto TV – carries BET-branded content and may host the awards or related specials.
  • Paramount+ UK – increasingly used for BET content there.

Some viewers also use a VPN to access U.S. streaming services that carry BET, but you should always check local laws and service terms.

Mini FAQ

Is it always on BET?

Yes, in recent years the BET Awards have consistently aired on BET as the primary channel, with additional Paramount networks sometimes simulcasting.

How do I be sure for this year?

Lineups and channel details can shift slightly each year, so it’s smart to:

  1. Check the BET Awards page on BET.com as the date approaches.
  1. Look at your TV guide or live TV app on the day of the show to confirm which channels are carrying it.

Do you plan to watch from the U.S., the UK, or another country so I can narrow down the most reliable ways for you to tune in?