Culture’s Biggest Night is here, and you do not need a cable subscription to catch a single moment of it. The 2026 BET Awards are airing live on Sunday, June 28, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, hosted by comedian and internet personality Druski — and the good news for cord-cutters is that there are more ways than ever to stream every performance, award, and tribute in real time. Whether you prefer a free trial, an affordable monthly plan, or a streaming service you already have, this guide breaks down every option available to you right now.
When and Where Are the BET Awards 2026?
The 26th annual BET Awards take place on Sunday, June 28, at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles at 777 Chick Hearn Court. The main show kicks off at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. Central), but the excitement starts earlier. The pre-show red carpet streams live beginning at 5:30 p.m. ET, hosted by Rocsi Diaz and Bow Wow, giving fans access to fashion, celebrity interviews, and early arrivals well before the main broadcast begins.
Watch Free on BET.com and the BET App
The most direct cable-free option is completely free. BET.com and the official BET app will both carry a live stream of the show at no cost. This is the easiest way to tune in if you just want access to the broadcast without signing up for anything new. Simply visit BET.com or download the app on your phone, tablet, or smart TV device, and you are ready to go.
Stream the BET Awards 2026 on Paramount+
One of the most notable options this year is Paramount+, which is streaming the 2026 BET Awards live — and you do not even need the live TV tier to access it. A standard Paramount+ subscription will give you the full show. The Paramount+ Premium plan (with Showtime) is priced at $13.99 per month or $139.99 per year, and it includes a live stream of BET’s broadcast in addition to the platform’s on-demand library. If you miss the live show, you can also catch a replay on Paramount+ afterward, making it a convenient all-in-one option.
DirecTV Stream — Best Free Trial Option
DirecTV Stream is one of the top picks for watching the BET Awards without cable. The service includes BET in its Entertainment package, which starts at $59.99 per month for the first month ($89.99 per month afterward). The key benefit here is a five-day free trial for new subscribers, which is more than enough time to tune into the June 28 broadcast at no charge. DirecTV also carries MTV, VH1, CMT, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, and TV Land, making it a solid all-around cable alternative.
Philo — Most Affordable Plan With Free Trial
For viewers looking for the most budget-friendly route, Philo is the answer. Philo carries BET and includes a seven-day free trial for new users — the longest free trial of any service on this list. After the trial, a subscription costs just $25 per month for access to more than 70 channels. This makes Philo one of the best value options if you plan to keep the service beyond the awards show.
Hulu + Live TV — Best Bundle Value
Hulu + Live TV is another reliable choice for streaming the BET Awards. New subscribers get a three-day free trial, and the plan starts at $89.99 per month. What makes Hulu + Live TV particularly appealing is its bundle — the subscription comes with Disney+ and ESPN+ included, giving you access to a massive on-demand and sports library on top of more than 90 live channels, including BET, MTV, VH1, CMT, Comedy Central, Paramount Network, Nickelodeon, TV Land, and POP.
Fubo — Five-Day Free Trial
Fubo is another strong option with a five-day free trial for new users. The Pro plan starts at $63.99 per month for the first month ($88.99 per month afterward) and includes more than 200 channels, with BET among them. Fubo also carries MTV, VH1, CMT, Comedy Central, Paramount Network, Nickelodeon, TV Land, POP, and LOGO. If you are a sports fan, Fubo is particularly well-suited given its deep sports channel lineup.
Sling TV — No Free Trial, But the Most Flexible Pricing
Sling TV does not offer a free trial, but it remains one of the most flexible and affordable long-term options. The Sling Orange plan includes BET and Comedy Central alongside 30-plus channels for $45.99 per month, with a free cloud DVR included. For those who only want to watch the BET Awards without committing to a full month, Sling also offers a one-day pass priced at just $4.99 — a smart option if you want access just for the night.
Cable Simulcast: 11 Channels Airing the Show
If you have friends or family with a cable package, the show is simulcasting across a broad range of networks beyond BET. The 2026 BET Awards will air simultaneously on BET Her, CMT, Logo, MTV, MTV2, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, Pop, VH1, Comedy Central, and TV Land. That is 11 cable channels broadcasting the show at once, giving cable subscribers plenty of places to find it.
Who Is Hosting the BET Awards 2026?
Comedian and digital creator Druski is hosting this year’s show, making history as the youngest host in the BET Awards’ history at just 31 years old. That honor was previously held by Kevin Hart, who hosted in 2011 at age 32. Druski, known for his viral sketches and magnetic comedic style, has promised huge surprises throughout the night and described the opportunity as a personal milestone, having grown up watching the BET Awards himself.
Top Nominees for the 2026 BET Awards
The nominee list this year is a strong reflection of where Black music and culture stand today. Cardi B leads all nominees with six nominations, including Album of the Year for Am I the Drama?, Best Female Hip Hop Artist, and the Fashion Vanguard Award. Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist each follow with five nominations. Doechii, Doja Cat, Clipse, Teyana Taylor, Olivia Dean, and Latto each earned four nominations. Other Album of the Year contenders include Tyler, the Creator for Don’t Tap the Glass, J. Cole for The Fall-Off, Wale for Everything is a Lot., Clipse for Let God Sort Em Out, Leon Thomas for Mutt Deluxe: Heel, and Bruno Mars for The Romantic.
Performers Lighting Up the 2026 BET Awards Stage
The performance lineup for this year’s show is one of the most stacked in recent memory. Cardi B headlines as the top nominee and performer. The full performer list includes Alexia Jayy, Ari Lennox, Baby Keem, BJ the Chicago Kid, Common, Doechii, Don Toliver, Durand Bernarr, Erica Campbell, French Montana and Max B, George Clinton, Jill Scott, Kehlani, Kenny Iko, kwn, Le’Andria Johnson, Lizzo, MC Lyte, Nas, Queen Latifah, Rapsody, RAYE, Rick Ross, selah, T.I., Tems, Terra Whack, The War and Treaty, YG Marley, Zion Marley, and more. The evening will also feature a star-studded tribute to Ms. Lauryn Hill, performed by artists including Common, Doechii, Doja Cat, Lizzo, Nas, Queen Latifah, Rapsody, and Tierra Whack among others.
Special Honors and Awards to Watch
Three major special honors are being given out at this year’s ceremony. Ms. Lauryn Hill receives the inaugural Living Legend Icon Award, a distinction created for industry pioneers who have “mastered their craft and never let go of the culture.” Teyana Taylor is set to receive the inaugural Icon of the Year Award, recognizing her as a Grammy and Oscar nominee who has broken barriers across music and film. Music executive Sylvia Rhone will accept the Ultimate Icon Award for her extraordinary leadership and lasting impact on the entertainment industry. The show will also feature a tribute to the late neo-soul legend D’Angelo, who passed away at age 51, with performances by Ari Lennox, BJ the Chicago Kid, Durand Bernarr, George Clinton, and RAYE, along with D’Angelo’s own children.
Quick Reference: All Your Streaming Options
For a fast look at your choices, here is a breakdown of every way to watch the BET Awards without cable:
BET.com and the BET App offer a completely free live stream with no sign-up required. Paramount+ streams the show live even on its standard plan, starting at $13.99 per month. DirecTV Stream includes a five-day free trial with plans starting at $59.99 per month. Philo offers the longest free trial at seven days, then $25 per month. Hulu + Live TV comes with a three-day trial and includes Disney+ and ESPN+ for $89.99 per month. Fubo has a five-day free trial with plans starting at $63.99 per month. Sling TV offers no free trial but has a $4.99 one-day pass and plans from $45.99 per month.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do the BET Awards 2026 start? The main show begins at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Sunday, June 28. The pre-show red carpet begins streaming at 5:30 p.m. ET.
Where are the BET Awards 2026 held? The ceremony takes place at the Peacock Theater, 777 Chick Hearn Court, in downtown Los Angeles, California.
Can I watch the BET Awards for free without cable? Yes. BET.com and the BET app offer a completely free live stream. Additionally, DirecTV, Philo, Fubo, and Hulu + Live TV all offer free trials that cover the June 28 broadcast date.
Who is hosting the BET Awards 2026? Druski is hosting this year’s show, becoming the youngest host in the history of the BET Awards at age 31.
Is the BET Awards 2026 on Paramount+? Yes. Paramount+ is streaming the show live, and you do not need the live TV plan — any Paramount+ subscription will include access to the broadcast.
Who has the most nominations at the BET Awards 2026? Cardi B leads all nominees with six nominations. Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist follow with five each.
Can I watch the BET Awards on Sling TV for one day only? Yes. Sling TV offers a one-day pass for $4.99, making it the most affordable single-night option for cord-cutters who do not want a monthly subscription.
Will the BET Awards 2026 be available after the live show? Yes. Paramount+ will have the ceremony available on demand after the live broadcast, so you can rewatch it at any time.
Drop your pick for Album of the Year in the comments below and let us know which streaming service you are using to watch Culture’s Biggest Night!