Paramount is shutting down the BET+ streaming service and integrating its content into Paramount+ starting in June 2026. The company is also buying out Tyler Perry's 25% ownership stake in BET+. This move aims to expand the reach of BET's programming while maintaining other BET operations.
Under the ownership of Paramount Skydance, BET+ will cease operations as a standalone subscription service, with its library merging into the main Paramount+ platform from June 2026 onward. The service, which launched in September 2019 shortly before the Viacom-CBS merger that created Paramount Global, offers over 1,000 hours of programming for $5.99 per month with ads or $9.99 without.
Paramount has acquired the minority stake held by Tyler Perry, who gained 25% ownership through a 2019 production deal. Financial terms of the acquisition remain undisclosed. A Paramount representative stated, “As part of this evolution, Paramount acquired Tyler Perry Studios’ equity stake in BET+. We share the same ambition to expand the reach of BET content, and Tyler will continue to be a valued and important partner through his overall programming agreement.” A spokesperson for Perry declined to comment, and the news was initially reported by Deadline.
BET President Louis Carr addressed the change in a memo to staff, describing Paramount+ as the new home for BET+ content. He wrote, “This powerful next step ensures the stories we champion, the creators we support and the culture we represent go further than ever before.” Carr highlighted that the merged content, including series such as The Ms. Pat Show, All the Queen’s Men, Zatima, Average Joe, and Diarra from Detroit, will be featured in a dedicated BET Hub on Paramount+, alongside other premium offerings like series, sports, specials, and films.
BET's linear television channel, in-house production arm BET Studios, and digital operations will continue unchanged. Carr emphasized BET's role as a cornerstone of Black culture and a key element of Paramount's long-term strategy, noting recent growth through free ad-supported streaming channels. The transition seeks to broaden global access to BET's storytelling without disrupting core activities.
