Major Streaming Platform BET+ Announces June Shutdown
In a significant development for the television streaming industry, the BET+ platform is set to cease operations in June 2026. This decision follows Paramount Skydance's acquisition of the equity stake previously held by Tyler Perry Studios in the business.
Content Migration to Paramount+
Despite the platform closure, subscribers will not lose access to BET+'s popular content library. Beginning in June, all programming from BET+ will be integrated into Paramount+ and housed within the existing BET Hub section of the larger streaming service.
This includes acclaimed original series such as All the Queen's Men and Diarra From Detroit, which will continue to be available to viewers through the new arrangement.
Strategic Rationale Behind the Move
BET Networks president Louis Carr explained the strategic thinking in a memo to staff, stating: "As we continue to drive BET's growth, our stories have to live in more places. Beginning in June, we are expanding our reach by making Paramount+ the new home for BET+ content."
Carr emphasized that this transition represents "a powerful next step" that ensures the stories, creators, and cultural representation championed by BET will reach broader audiences than ever before.
Expanded Audience Reach
The consolidation significantly increases the potential viewership for BET+ programming. The content will move from a platform with approximately 3.5 million subscribers to Paramount+, which boasts a global subscriber base of around 80 million.
This move aligns with Paramount Skydance's broader strategy to scale up Paramount+ and consolidate all streaming operations under that single brand umbrella.
BET's Continuing Operations
Importantly, other BET operations will remain unaffected by this streaming platform change. Carr confirmed that:
- The linear BET television channel will continue broadcasting
- BET Digital, which manages the brand's social media channels, will remain active
- BET Studios will continue its production operations
Carr reinforced BET's ongoing importance to the company's strategy, stating: "BET is a cornerstone of Black culture and an essential part of Paramount's portfolio and long-term content strategy."
The linear channel, studios, and digital operations will all continue to play major roles in the group's multiplatform approach moving forward.
