Culture’s Biggest Night is almost here, and fans are searching for one simple answer: when do the BET Awards come on 2026? Below you’ll find the official date, start time, host, channel lineup, nominees, and everything else you need to catch the show live.
When Are the 2026 BET Awards?
The 2026 BET Awards will air live on Sunday, June 28, 2026, putting the show back in its traditional late-June slot after airing earlier than usual in 2025. This marks the 26th anniversary of the BET Awards franchise, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most star-studded ceremonies yet.
What Time Do the BET Awards Start?
The show kicks off at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT (8/7c). Fans on the West Coast will want to check local listings, but the broadcast is timed for 8 PM ET/PT simulcast across the network lineup, so set your reminders accordingly.
Where Are the BET Awards Held?
The ceremony returns to the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, which has served as the BET Awards’ home base since 2013. The venue has also hosted major events like the Grammys, the ESPYs, and the People’s Choice Awards.
What Channel Are the BET Awards On?
The BET Awards will be simulcast across a wide network lineup, making it easy to catch no matter what you’re streaming or watching from. The show airs on:
- BET
- BET HER
- CMT
- LOGO
- MTV
- MTV2
- Nickelodeon
- Paramount
- POP
- VH1
- Comedy Central
- TV Land
For viewers without cable, the show can also be streamed through services that carry BET, such as Philo, Sling TV, DirecTV, or Paramount+, depending on availability in your area.
Who Is Hosting the BET Awards 2026?
Comedian and internet personality Druski is hosting this year’s show, making him the youngest-ever host in BET Awards history. Known for his viral skits and larger-than-life personality, Druski has been building buzz for weeks leading up to the ceremony.
Who Is Performing at the BET Awards 2026?
The 2026 performer lineup is stacked with some of the biggest names in music right now, including:
- Cardi B
- Doechii
- Tems
- Common
- Don Toliver
- Kehlani
- Queen Latifah
- T.I.
Expect high-energy performances, surprise collaborations, and tribute moments throughout the night.
Who Is Being Honored This Year?
This year’s BET Awards will spotlight several major tribute moments:
- Teyana Taylor will receive the Icon of the Year Award, sponsored by Hyundai, recognizing her impact as a musician, actor, director, and style icon.
- Lauryn Hill will receive the first-ever Living Legend Icon Award, sponsored by Sprite, celebrating her enduring influence nearly 30 years after “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.”
- Sylvia Rhone will also be honored as a trailblazing executive and the first Black woman to lead a major record label owned by a Fortune 500 company.
Who Are the Top Nominees?
Nominees for the 2026 BET Awards were announced in May, with Cardi B leading the pack with six nominations, including Album of the Year, Best Female Hip Hop Artist, and the brand-new Fashion Vanguard Award. Close behind are Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist, each with five nominations, while Doechii, Doja Cat, Clipse, Teyana Taylor, Olivia Dean, and Latto each picked up four nominations.
This year also introduces two brand-new categories: the Fashion Vanguard Award and the Pulse Award, the latter of which recognizes digital and content creators — and notably includes host Druski among the nominees.
The Best Actor category is also considered one of the most competitive of the night, featuring Colman Domingo, Michael B. Jordan, Denzel Washington, and Sterling K. Brown.
What Is BETX?
Leading up to the awards show, BET Experience (BETX) returns to Los Angeles with multiple days of fan-first programming, including:
- BETX FanFest at The Beehive on Friday, June 26, and Saturday, June 27
- A Roots Picnic Experience: A Great Night in Hip Hop with The Roots and Nas at the Hollywood Bowl on Saturday, June 27
- A celebrity basketball game and additional live activations throughout the weekend
BETX is produced in partnership with Live Nation Urban and serves as the lead-up celebration before the main awards broadcast on Sunday night.
Key Points Summary
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| 2026 BET AWARDS - QUICK FACTS |
+-------------------------------------------------------+
| Date: Sunday, June 28, 2026 |
| Time: 8 PM ET/PT (8/7c) |
| Location: Peacock Theater, Los Angeles, CA |
| Host: Druski |
| Channels: BET, BET HER, CMT, MTV, MTV2, VH1, and more |
| Top Nominee: Cardi B (6 nominations) |
| Special Honors: Teyana Taylor, Lauryn Hill, Sylvia Rhone |
+-------------------------------------------------------+Frequently Asked Questions
When do the BET Awards come on in 2026? The BET Awards air live on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at 8 PM ET/PT.
What channel can I watch the BET Awards on? The show is simulcast on BET, BET HER, CMT, LOGO, MTV, MTV2, Nickelodeon, Paramount, POP, VH1, Comedy Central, and TV Land.
Where are the 2026 BET Awards taking place? The ceremony will be held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California.
Who is hosting the BET Awards this year? Comedian and content creator Druski is hosting, making him the youngest host in the show’s history.
Can I stream the BET Awards without cable? Yes. Streaming services that carry BET, such as Philo, Sling TV, DirecTV, or Paramount+, can be used to watch the show live without a traditional cable subscription, depending on regional availability.
Who has the most nominations this year? Cardi B leads all nominees with six nominations, followed by Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist with five each.
Mark your calendars, set your alarms, and get ready for Culture’s Biggest Night — drop a comment below with who you think will take home the most awards, and check back for live updates and winners as the night unfolds!