Culture’s Biggest Night is almost here, and fans across the country are searching for one thing: where to watch BET Awards 2026. The 26th annual BET Awards will broadcast live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at 8 PM ET/PT, bringing together the biggest names in music, film, television, and sports for one unforgettable night.
Whether you have cable, a streaming subscription, or neither, this guide breaks down every legal way to watch the BET Awards 2026 live, including TV channels, streaming platforms, and what to expect once the cameras start rolling.
When Is the BET Awards 2026?
The BET Awards 2026 will air live on Sunday, June 28, 2026, starting at 8 PM ET/PT. This puts the show back in its traditional late-June slot after airing earlier in 2025. The ceremony will once again take place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, which has served as the show’s home base since 2013.
This year marks the 26th anniversary of the BET Awards, making it one of the longest-running and most-watched award shows celebrating Black excellence in entertainment.
How to Watch BET Awards 2026 on TV
You do not need a special package to catch the show. The BET Awards 2026 will be simulcast across a wide lineup of channels under the Paramount umbrella, so most cable and satellite subscribers will already have access. The full list of channels airing the show includes:
- BET
- BET Her
- CMT
- LOGO
- MTV
- MTV2
- Nickelodeon (airing during the Nick@Nite block)
- Paramount Network
- POP
- VH1
- Comedy Central
- TV Land
This wide simulcast means that even if your household doesn’t subscribe to BET directly, there’s a strong chance one of these channels is already part of your cable or satellite lineup.
How to Watch BET Awards 2026 Without Cable
Cord-cutters have plenty of options this year. Here’s how to stream the BET Awards 2026 live without a traditional TV subscription:
Paramount+ As BET’s parent company, Paramount has been consolidating its streaming services, and Paramount+ remains the most reliable streaming destination for BET programming. A Paramount+ subscription gives you access to BET content, including live simulcasts and next-day replays. Plans start at an affordable monthly price, with both ad-supported and ad-free tiers available.
Pluto TV Budget-conscious viewers can turn to Pluto TV, Paramount’s free, ad-supported streaming service. Pluto TV carries a live BET channel at no cost, making it one of the easiest ways to watch the BET Awards 2026 without paying for a subscription at all. All you need is an internet connection and the Pluto TV app.
Live TV Streaming Services Several live TV streaming platforms that carry BET, MTV, VH1, or Comedy Central in their channel packages will also let you stream the ceremony live. If you already subscribe to a live TV streaming bundle, check your channel guide to confirm BET or one of the simulcast networks is included.
Who Is Hosting the BET Awards 2026?
This year’s show is hosted by comedian, content creator, and internet sensation Druski, who becomes the youngest-ever host in BET Awards history, surpassing the record previously held by Kevin Hart since 2011. Known for his viral skits and larger-than-life characters, Druski is expected to bring a chaotic, comedy-driven energy to Culture’s Biggest Night while still honoring the show’s legacy.
Who Is Performing at the BET Awards 2026?
The performance lineup for BET Awards 2026 features some of the biggest names in music right now, including:
- Cardi B
- Common
- Doechii
- Don Toliver
More performers are expected to be announced or confirmed closer to showtime, so fans should keep an eye on official BET channels for last-minute updates.
Who Is Being Honored This Year?
Beyond the performances, BET Awards 2026 will spotlight several major honorees:
- Teyana Taylor will receive the Icon of the Year Award, sponsored by Hyundai, recognizing her impact as a Golden Globe winner, Academy Award nominee, director, choreographer, and vocalist.
- Ms. Lauryn Hill will receive the inaugural Living Legend Icon Award, sponsored by Sprite, celebrating her enduring influence nearly three decades 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 company owned by a Fortune 500 corporation.
Top Nominees to Watch For
Nominations for BET Awards 2026 are stacked, with Cardi B leading the pack with six nominations, including Album of the Year, Best Female Hip Hop Artist, and the newly introduced Fashion Vanguard Award. Other top contenders include:
- Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist — five nominations each
- Doechii, Doja Cat, Clipse, Teyana Taylor, Olivia Dean, and Latto — four nominations each
- A$AP Rocky, Bruno Mars, Bryson Tiller, Chris Brown, Jill Scott, Kehlani, Metro Boomin, SZA, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, T.I., and YK Niece — three nominations each
Two brand-new award categories also debut this year: the Fashion Vanguard Award and the Pulse Award, both reflecting how the show continues to evolve alongside culture.
What Is BET Experience (BETX) 2026?
The BET Awards are the finale of a much larger celebration known as BET Experience (BETX), running from June 25–27, 2026 in Los Angeles. BETX includes fan-first activations, concerts, and live events leading up to the main show, including a fan fest at The Beehive. If you’re in LA that weekend, the festivities extend well beyond awards night itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the BET Awards 2026 start? The show airs live on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at 8 PM ET/PT.
Do I need cable to watch the BET Awards 2026? No. You can stream it live through Paramount+ or watch for free on Pluto TV, in addition to the wide cable and satellite simulcast.
Where is the BET Awards 2026 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 internet personality Druski is hosting, becoming the youngest host in the show’s history.
Will the BET Awards 2026 be available the next day? Yes, Paramount+ subscribers can typically catch replays and highlight clips shortly after the live broadcast ends.
** **KEY POINTS SUMMARY** **+--------------------------------------------------------+** **| Date: Sunday, June 28, 2026 |** **| Time: 8 PM ET/PT |** **| Venue: Peacock Theater, Los Angeles |** **| Host: Druski (youngest-ever BET Awards host) |** **| Free Option: Pluto TV (live BET channel) |** **| Streaming: Paramount+ |** **| TV Simulcast: BET, MTV, VH1, CMT, Comedy Central, more |** **| Top Nominee: Cardi B (6 nominations) |** **+--------------------------------------------------------+** **
Don’t miss a second of Culture’s Biggest Night — drop your predictions for this year’s big winners in the comments and check back for live updates as the BET Awards 2026 red carpet and ceremony unfold!