You’re probably used to the BET Awards being a Sunday night staple. For years, we’ve planned our cookouts and group chats around that final Sunday in June. But things are looking a lot different for the silver anniversary. If you're asking when does the bet awards come on 2025, you might be surprised to find out the network ditched the Sunday tradition for something a bit more unconventional.
Basically, the 2025 BET Awards are scheduled to air live on Monday, June 9, 2025.
Yeah, a Monday. It’s a bit of a curveball, right? Usually, these big tentpole events own the weekend, but for the 25th anniversary, BET decided to pivot. The show kicks off at 8:00 PM ET/PT, and honestly, if you aren't parked in front of your TV by then, you’re going to miss the pre-show chaos that usually sets the tone for the entire night.
The Monday Shift: When Does The BET Awards Come On 2025?
So, why the change? BET hasn't given a "corporate" reason that makes much sense, but insiders point to the massive scale of the BET Experience (BETX). This year, the festival leading up to the awards is a four-day beast running from June 5 to June 8. By moving the actual ceremony to Monday, June 9, they’re essentially turning the whole thing into a five-day takeover of Los Angeles.
It’s a bold move.
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The venue remains the Peacock Theater (formerly Microsoft Theater) in LA. If you’ve ever been to that part of town during a major award show, you know the traffic is already a nightmare. Throwing a red carpet event on a Monday evening in the heart of Los Angeles? That’s some high-level logistics work right there.
Who is Running the Show?
Kevin Hart is back. It’s been over a decade since he hosted in 2011, which was arguably the peak of his "Laugh at My Pain" era. Having him return for the 25th anniversary feels like a full-circle moment. Hart isn't just showing up to read a teleprompter, though. His production company, Hartbeat, is involved in the planning, so expect the sketches to be a lot more polished than the usual "impromptu" award show banter.
The Big Nominees (And the Kendrick Dominance)
If you follow the charts even a little bit, the nomination list won't shock you. Kendrick Lamar is absolutely cleaning up this year. He’s heading into the night with 10 nominations, mostly thanks to the cultural earthquake that was "Not Like Us" and his GNX album.
But it’s not just the Kendrick show.
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- Drake and Doechii are sitting pretty with six nominations each.
- GloRilla is also tied at six, proving her "TGIF" momentum wasn't just a fluke.
- Future and Metro Boomin are right there in the mix, too.
It’s interesting to see the tension between Drake and Kendrick play out on a platform like BET. Usually, these shows try to keep things diplomatic, but with both artists nominated in the same major categories—like Album of the Year and Video of the Year—the energy in the room is going to be thick.
Where to Watch if You Don't Have Cable
Look, we know most people under 30 don't have a traditional cable box anymore. If you're trying to figure out how to stream the show on June 9, you have a few options that don't involve a 2-year contract with a satellite provider.
The show will simulcast across several Paramount-owned networks. This includes BET Her, MTV, MTV2, VH1, and Logo.
If you are a strictly digital viewer, Philo, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV are your best bets. They all carry BET. Just a heads up: the standard Paramount+ subscription usually doesn't stream the awards live unless you have the "Showtime" tier that includes your local live feed, so double-check your login before 8 PM.
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The 106 & Park Reunion
One of the coolest parts of the 2025 broadcast is the planned tribute to 106 & Park. It’s been 25 years since that show started shaping what we listened to after school. BET confirmed a massive reunion segment featuring AJ and Free, plus Julissa, Rocsi, and even Bow Wow. For anyone who grew up during the "Livest Audience" era, this is probably going to be more exciting than the actual awards.
What to Expect From the Performances
The first wave of performers has already been leaked and confirmed. We’re looking at Lil Wayne, Teyana Taylor, and Playboi Carti. Teyana Taylor is also pulling double duty as a creative director for some of the segments through her "Aunties Production" team. When she's involved in the visuals, things usually look like a high-budget film rather than a standard stage set.
- Pro-Tip: The "Red Carpet Live" pre-show usually starts around 6:00 PM ET. That’s where the real fashion risks happen before everyone changes into their "seated" outfits.
Wrapping Up Your Viewing Plan
If you're still circling dates on your calendar, stop looking at the Sundays. The answer to when does the bet awards come on 2025 is firmly Monday, June 9.
Make sure your apps are updated and your group chat is muted if you're watching on a delay. The spoilers on X (formerly Twitter) will be instantaneous, especially if the Kendrick/Drake rivalry takes a turn on stage.
Next Steps for Your Viewing Party:
- Verify your streaming access: Log into your Philo or YouTube TV account today to ensure BET is in your channel lineup.
- Clear your Monday evening: Since it's a school/work night, you’ll want to have dinner sorted before the 8 PM ET start time.
- Follow @BET on TikTok: They usually post backstage clips and "fit checks" about 30 minutes before the TV broadcast even starts.