BET (Black Entertainment Network) has created a streaming service with over 1000 hours of Black content by Black creators.

In this article, we'll tell you everything you need to know about BET+, as well as help you decide whether it's worth a subscription.

What Is BET+?

BET+ original series

BET+ is an over-the-top streaming video-on-demand service, free of ads, built off the back of the BET channel. It came about as a result of Viacom's ongoing strategic investment into digital platforms.

On September 19, 2019, the BET Networks unit of ViacomCBS Domestic Media Networks, in conjunction with Tyler Perry Studios, launched BET+ as a paid streaming service.

It took some time to develop and grow in terms of content and value, but it is now the premier streaming service for Black content.

BET+ features shows and movies that premiered on BET, as well as original films and television series created for BET+ itself. It is also the exclusive home of the Tyler Perry Collection, which features movies and shows created and produced by Tyler Perry.

Other high-profile names signed on to produce content for the service are Will Packer and Tracy Oliver.

A BET+ subscription can be shared with family and friends, seemingly without limit. Although high-definition streaming is available, the service doesn't currently offer 4K viewing. Downloading of content is also currently unavailable.

Related: What's the Difference Between 4K and Ultra HD (UHD)?

What Content Is Included With BET+?

BET+ features nearly all of BET’s original programming and films, including The Grand Hustle, American Gangster, Games People Play, BET Comic View, Real Husbands of Hollywood, The New Edition Story, and Girlfriends.

A selection of content from other channels is also available for viewing on BET+, including Comedy Central’s Why? with Hannibal Buress, VH1’s Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta, Basketball Wives, T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle, and Fox’s Martin.

In addition, a large slate of original films and shows are available and soon-to-be-available for viewing. Some BET+ original movies include:

  • American Skin: A revenge flick about a black man whose son is shot and killed by a white police officer.
  • Favorite Son: Centers on two gospel-singing brothers.
  • Never and Again A romance about a teenage couple reunited after years of separation and trauma.
  • Troubled Waters: Revolves around a comedian who puts his growing success on the line for an extramarital affair.
  • Kiss Me for Christmas: A Christmas movie about a woman who sleeps with a man she later discovers is her boss’s boyfriend.
  • Influence: Centers on a singer charged with the murder of her husband.
  • Sacrifice: Stars Paula Patton as a successful entertainment attorney.

As for original shows, BET+ features, or soon will feature:

  • Bigger Season 2: A comedy about an engaged woman dealing with the death of a college friend.
  • First Wives Club Season 2: Centers on three divorced women seeking revenge on their ex-husbands
  • American Gangster: Trap Queens: Focuses on the most notorious Black female gangsters in American history.
  • Carl Webber’s The Family Business Season 2: The continuation of BET’s hit crime series.
  • All the Way Black: An examination of Black culture throughout pre-noughties decades.
  • Diggstown: A six-episode mini-series about a tragic turn for a former high-powered female lawyer.
  • Dark Money: A four-episode mini-series about a Hollywood producer who abuses a minor, and the family who accepts his cash bribe in exchange for silence.
  • All the Queen’s Men: Aenters on a male strip club.
  • Ms. Pat: A sitcom starring comedian Patricia “Ms. Pat” Williams as an ex-con now living the suburban family life.
  • The Rich and the Ruthless Season 4: Continues the behind-the-scenes antics of a fictional daytime TV series.
  • Birth of Cool: A series about the lives of the teachers and students of Crispus Attucks High, a high school in Compton, produced by the ultra-talented Lena Waithe.

Regarding the aforementioned Tyler Perry Collection, new content will include Ruthless Season 2 (a spinoff of BET’s The Oval, revolving around a woman’s discovery and dealings with a sex cult), and Bruh Season 2 ( the story of a group of male friends dealing with life’s troubles and tribulations).

Additionally, a selection of Perry’s recorded stage plays are available on BET+, including Meet the Browns, Daddy’s Little Girls, and Temptation: Confessions of A Marriage Counselor.

And last but not least, BET+ is the only place to watch Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Farewell Play. As can be gleaned from the title, this is the final appearance of Tyler Perry's popular Madea character. It revolves around a family gathering which features plenty of other characters from Perry’s Madea films and plays.

How Much Does BET+ Cost?

A subscription to BET+ currently costs $9.99/month. However, sign-up includes a seven-day free trial, wherein you can cancel at any time for no charge.

Where Can You Sign Up for BET+?

At the moment, BET+ is only available in the US. You can sign up and watch BET+ on the internet at bet.plus, or download it as an app or channel download on most devices. The service is also available through Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and Hulu.

Download: BET+ on Android and iOS (Free, in-app purchases)

Where Can You Stream BET+?

BET+ is available for streaming on nearly any device. From Android and iOS devices, to Apple TV and Roku set-top boxes, BET+ is available for your viewing pleasure. The service can also be accessed via Amazon Fire streaming sticks, as well as most Smart TVs. And, of course, you can stream BET+ on any internet-enabled PCs and tablets.

Related: iPhone vs. Android: Which Is Right for You?

Is BET+ Right for You?

If Black culture and content is of interest to you, BET+ is the preeminent service for your needs. This especially rings true if you are a fan of Tyler Perry. The inclusion of his filmed stage plays is a real treat for those who appreciate his work.

The only other service that caters specifically to Black audiences is ALLBLK.

ALLBLK is a streaming service built off of AMC’s former Urban Movie Channel. Like BET+, ALLBLK features shows and movies created for and by the Black community, including a small but growing amount of original content.

It’s half the price of BET+ at $4.99/month (after a seven-day free trial), but doesn't offer anywhere near as much content as Bet+.