In a significant shift within the streaming landscape, Paramount has announced that it will be merging the BET+ platform into its flagship service, Paramount+, starting in June. This consolidation comes as Paramount acquires Tyler Perry’s stake in BET+, which is believed to be around 25%, although financial specifics have not been disclosed.
This merger will see over 1,000 hours of original content, movies, and specials from BET+ move to Paramount+, expanding the platform’s offerings significantly. BET Networks President Louis Carr shared this development in an internal memo, emphasizing the importance of broadening the reach of stories that resonate with audiences and celebrating Black culture.
The integration of BET+ is part of a larger strategy by Paramount to streamline its streaming services. Three years ago, Paramount had multiple SVOD platforms, but this move will leave them with just one. By folding BET+ into Paramount+, the company aims to enhance the visibility and accessibility of BET’s content, which currently has around 3.5 million subscribers, compared to Paramount+’s impressive 80 million.
Tyler Perry, a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, will continue to be an essential partner through his ongoing programming agreement, which includes delivering new episodes and series to the now combined platform. Popular BET+ series such as “The Ms. Pat Show,” “All the Queen’s Men,” and “Zatima” are set to continue under the Paramount+ umbrella, ensuring that fans can still enjoy their favorite shows.
This merger follows a similar move by Paramount in 2023, when Showtime’s content was integrated into the Paramount+ service. As the media landscape evolves, this consolidation reflects the industry’s ongoing efforts to adapt and optimize streaming offerings, a trend also seen with other major players like Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery.
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