Key moments
In a significant development for the entertainment industry, Tyler Perry’s BET+ streaming service is set to shut down on June 1, 2026. The service’s programming will be folded into Paramount+, following a buyout of Perry’s equity stake by Paramount Skydance.
Tyler Perry, a prominent figure in Black entertainment, held a 25% stake in BET+ as a result of a production deal established with Paramount in 2019. The terms of the buyout for Perry’s stake in BET+ have not been disclosed, but the merger will include approximately 1,000 hours of programming that was previously available on BET+.
Currently, BET+ offers subscription plans at $5.99 per month with ads and $9.99 per month without ads. With the transition to Paramount+, BET+ content will be integrated into the Paramount+ platform, which aims to enhance visibility and accessibility for viewers. This move is seen as a strategic effort to consolidate content and broaden the audience reach.
Louis Carr, president of BET Networks, expressed optimism about the merger, stating, “This powerful next step ensures the stories we champion, the creators we support and the culture we represent go further than ever before.” He further emphasized that the celebrated Black storytelling will be featured prominently alongside Paramount’s premium series, sports, specials, and films within the BET Hub.
The BET+ service was launched in September 2019 and has been described as a cornerstone of Black culture, providing a platform for diverse storytelling and representation. Popular shows such as ‘All the Queen’s Men’ and ‘The Ms. Pat Show’ have contributed to its identity as a vital source of entertainment for its audience.
Despite the shutdown of BET+, Tyler Perry will continue to create shows for BET through an ongoing content partnership. This arrangement indicates that while the streaming service will no longer operate independently, Perry’s influence and contributions to Black storytelling will persist within the BET framework.
As the entertainment landscape evolves, the integration of BET+ into Paramount+ marks a significant shift in how content is consumed and distributed. The move reflects broader trends in the media industry, where consolidation is becoming increasingly common as companies seek to enhance their competitive edge in the streaming market.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the future of specific programming and how the transition will affect existing subscribers. However, the merger is expected to provide a more robust platform for BET’s content, ensuring that the narratives important to the Black community continue to thrive.