Black Entertainment Television (BET), the iconic network that shaped Black American culture for over four decades, is undergoing seismic shifts in 2025. Recent developments reveal strategic pivots as Paramount Global adapts to streaming dominance and international market challenges.
The Rise and Evolution of BET
Founded in 1980 by Robert L. Johnson with a $15,000 loan , BET became Paramount’s crown jewel after its $2.3 billion acquisition in 2000 . While its U.S. reach has declined from 92 million households (2011) to 67 million (2023) , the network remains vital through digital transformations.
International Retreats
BET’s Canadian operations ceased entirely on January 1, 2025 , following phased removals from major providers like Rogers and Shaw. This follows earlier shutdowns of BET UK in 2021 , signaling strategic consolidation around streaming platforms.
Streaming Wars: BET+ Emerges as Key Player
The 2019-launched BET+ streaming service now drives growth, featuring exclusive Tyler Perry content like The Oval and Sistas . Paramount’s June 2024 earnings report revealed:
| Metric | 2023 | 2024 Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Subscribers | 4M | 28% increase |
| Original Series | 15 | 22 (+47%) |
This expansion comes as parent company Paramount merges Showtime content into BET+ through new channel SHO×BET .
Controversies Continue
Despite rebranding efforts, critics like filmmaker Spike Lee maintain concerns about stereotypical content . The network faces renewed pressure from advocacy groups demanding improved representation metrics by Q3 2025.
“We’re committed to balancing entertainment with empowerment,” stated BET CEO Scott Mills during April’s shareholder meeting.
