The Soul Train Awards are set to return this fall after a three-year hiatus, broadcasting on BET and CBS, along with streaming options.
The much-beloved Soul Train Awards will make their return to television this fall after a three-year hiatus, with the announcement made by Deadline on September 3, 2026. The awards ceremony, which celebrates outstanding achievements in R&B, hip-hop, soul, and gospel music, will air on Friday, November 27, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET. This year, for the first time, the event will also simulcast on CBS, expanding its reach to a broader audience.
In addition to its broadcast on BET and CBS, the Soul Train Awards will be available for streaming on platforms including BET Her, VH1, MTV2, and Logo, further increasing accessibility for fans eager to catch the festivities. This expansion aligns with the contemporary shift toward streaming content, particularly among younger audiences who heavily utilize digital platforms for entertainment.
The last Soul Train Awards aired in 2023 before they were put on hold in 2024 and 2025. According to former BET CEO Scott Mills, the decision to suspend the show was part of a broader strategy to revamp the awards in response to the evolving digital media landscape. Mills expressed in 2025 that the shows were not set to disappear permanently but were under re-evaluation by a dedicated team. As a result, the 2026 awards ceremony is anticipated to bring renewed energy, reflecting modern trends in music and viewership.
Jesse Collins Entertainment is returning to produce the Soul Train Awards, with Connie Orlando serving as the executive producer for this year’s event for BET. Other executive producers include Collins himself, along with Dionne Harmon and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay, indicating a collaborative effort among experienced industry names to revitalize the awards show.
The return of the Soul Train Awards is expected to resonate significantly with fans of R&B, hip-hop, soul, and gospel music. Its simulcast on CBS marks a key shift in visibility for the show, catering to established fans while potentially attracting a new audience through its mainstream network presence. Additionally, the integration with various streaming platforms aligns with current viewing preferences, giving the awards a chance to tap into a diverse viewership eager for content rich in cultural significance.
The revival of the Soul Train Awards signals a broader recognition of the importance of honoring musical influencers within the R&B and hip-hop genres. As the awards adapt to new technologies and viewing habits, they may foster renewed interest and appreciation among both longtime fans and new audiences alike, paving the way for further recognition of artistic achievements in these impactful musical fields. The 2026 event represents not just a return but a reinvention in how these important cultural moments are shared and celebrated across traditional and modern platforms.
Entertainment news
EpisodeBreakdown may use automated tools to assist research, drafting, and formatting. Published pages are governed by our editorial and corrections policies, and source links are shown when they are available in the article record.
Discovery source: Deadline. The source identifies where the topic was discovered; EpisodeBreakdown is responsible for the commentary published on this page.
Reader response
Reactions and poll results are based on real reader responses. No account is required.
