Have you ever wondered "What channel is BET on Dish?" This viewer guide has everything you need to know to watch acclaimed Black Entertainment Television (BET) networks and programming on your Dish TV subscription today.
I‘ll overview BET‘s origins, see what‘s currently airing, provide an at-a-glance channel reference, and answer frequently asked questions about getting BET on Dish and beyond. Whether you‘re a longtime fan or newcomer, consider this your insider source to find and enjoy BET across Dish Network.
A Trailblazing Network for Decades (and Counting)
Before we explore what specific channel to turn to, it helps to understand BET‘s trailblazing history and identity in African American entertainment over 40+ years and counting.
BET stands for Black Entertainment Television. Pioneering entrepreneur Robert L. Johnson founded the network way back in 1980 as a weekly variety show. By 1983, it had rapidly evolved into the first 24/7 TV channel catering to Black audiences.
Over successive decades, BET became a mirror of African American culture itself, expanding beyond music videos to offer original programming, blockbuster films, stand-up comedy, news specials, and more.
Some major milestones over BET‘s dynamic decades:
- 1991: BET makes history as the first Black-controlled company publicly traded on the NY Stock Exchange
- 1998: BET launches companion news site BET.com in early internet days
- 2000: Networks sold to Viacom media conglomerate in $2.9 billion mega-deal
- 2006: Sister channels BET Gospel and BET Jams debut, spinning off into their own music-centric networks
- 2009: BET parent company Viacom launches BET Networks subdivision
- 2021: BET Networks joins current parent company Paramount Global with expanded streaming offerings
Today, BET continues to envelop Black pop culture. It reigns as the #1 entertainment brand serving African Americans aged 18-49, available in over 90 million households nationwide.
That‘s an incredible journey of growth from 1980 living room to present-day media titan!
Now let‘s explore exactly where to find flagship BET and spinoff channels across your Dish TV dial…
Locate BET Channels on Dish Lineup
Wondering "What is the BET channel number on Dish?"
I‘ve compiled an handy reference guide to help you pinpoint BET networks located among Dish TV‘s 200+ channel offerings.
| BET Network | Dish Channel # |
|---|---|
| BET | 124 |
| BET Gospel | 362 |
| BET Jams | 365 |
| BET Soul | 363 |
| BET Her | 251 |
So to watch the flagship BET station, head right to channel 124 in your Dish guide or via search.
Around it, you‘ll also find BET‘s specialized sister channels focusing on music genres like gospel and R&B.
Now let‘s explore the type of acclaimed Black programming you can expect across these channels…
Sample BET‘s Wide Menu of Programming
Aside from its music video roots, today‘s BET serves premium original shows, Hollywood hits, vintage sitcoms and more. Here‘s a small taste of standouts airing on the main BET channel:
Can‘t-Miss BET Original Series
- Sistas – Dramedy following a close-knit quartet navigating careers, friendship and romance
- Tyler Perry‘s Assisted Living – Comedy at Jeremy‘s wacky new home – a retirement resort run by his grumpy grandfather
- Tales – Hip hop-inspired twist on classic fables and folklore
- The Oval – Over-the-top political drama embroiling The First Family
Beloved Sitcoms & Dramas
In addition to buzzed-about originals, BET acquires rights to many hit sitcoms and dramas:
- The Game – Former CW comedy-drama giving a fictional glimpse inside pro football
- The Wire – Crime saga from HBO exploring illegal drug trade and dark corners of Baltimore
- Scandal – Shonda Rhimes‘ juicy political thriller that still has fans talking today
- The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air – The legendary 90s sitcom that skyrocketed Will Smith to fame
I don‘t know about you, but I could watch The Fresh Prince and Scandal on endless repeat!
Can‘t-Miss Awards Shows & Specials
Some of the biggest nights in Black entertainment take place on BET:
- BET Awards – Annual ceremony where icons like Beyonce, Drake, Lizzo and more are honored
- Soul Train Awards – R&B/Soul music celebration owned by BET
- BET Honors – Powerful primetime event elevating groundbreaking African American pioneers
And the energy watching these star-studded affairs LIVE alongside fellow fans? Just priceless.
Beyond the flagship, BET‘s sister channels provide specialized music and entertainment if you want to travel further down the dial…
Enjoy More Black Entertainment Across Sister Channels
In addition to BET proper, Dish subscribers can access these spinoff BET channels:
BET Gospel
For the faith-based audience, BET Gospel offers spiritual Black entertainment 24/7. Discover gospel videos, Christian films, and uplifting programs like reality show It‘s a Mann‘s World.
BET Jams
If hip hop and R&B are more your speed, BET Jams provides the perfect soundtrack. The channel ONLY plays throwback music videos – like entering a time machine to rap and soul across the 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s eras.
BET Soul
Similarly, BET Soul will satisfy soul music fans with classics alongside today‘s rising VOCAL talent. It intermixes sounds through a wide decades-spanning lens focused on soul‘s evolution.
BET Her
BET Her spotlights entertainment for Black women specifically – from financial programs to mental health discussions to the morning music video countdown Morning Glow. Consider it a ladies-focused extension of the BET brand.
So beyond the main BET network, you‘ll find specialized hubs to continue exploring Black culture on Dish.
Now for the practical question – why add these channels to your Dish plan?
Key Reasons to Get BET on Dish
Here are 5 VIP benefits of gaining access to BET channels through your Dish TV subscription:
- Commercial-free throwbacks – Just nonstop hits as you reminisce on BET Jams and BET Soul
- Can‘t find these stories elsewhere – Compelling originals centered around modern African American experiences
- Major moments air live – Be in the room for huge BET special events
- HD clarity – Dish offers BET networks in sharp high-def quality
- Cost – Dish packages start at only $64.99/month with BET networks instantly included
Compare Dish plans and prices to enjoy BET with additional premiums like unlimited DVR and 3 months free of channels like SHOWTIME.
For more ways to watch beyond satellite, read on…
How to Watch BET Without Dish
What if you‘re looking to watch acclaimed BET content without a full Dish satellite plan? Not to worry – you still have options!
Here are 4 alternative ways to access BET programming:
Stream on Paramount+ – BET, BET Her and BET Gospel are all offered on this platform with 30,000+ hours of ViacomCBS video overall
Add Philo or YouTube TV – These budget-friendly streaming TV providers include BET in channel packages starting around just $25 monthly
Try 7-day free trials – Many streaming services offer 1 week trials to sample programming, no commitments
Unlock using a VPN – If traveling or living abroad, connecting a Virtual Private Network can unlock US streaming platforms
So while Dish provides the most robust BET offerings all in one place, alternatives do exist. Choose the provider or trial that best fits your budget and preferences!
I‘ll wrap up with answers to some frequently asked questions about BET availability:
FAQs: Getting BET on Dish and More
Who owns BET networks today?
BET now lives under media giant Paramount Global, newly rebranded from the former ViacomCBS company in 2022.
What other providers offer BET programming?
Major cable networks (Spectrum, Xfinity, DirecTV), streaming networks (Philo, YouTube TV) and Paramount‘s standalone platform all include BET and sister channels.
What‘s the target audience for BET shows?
While appreciated by all audiences, BET creators specifically have the 18-49 Black demographic in mind when developing original plots, characters and music artists to feature.
Does Dish offer any deals for new BET viewers?
Yes! Dish is currently offering special packages that give you premiums like 3 months free of HBO Max, Showtime, and Starz when you sign up. Check Dish.com for the latest discounts to enjoy BET.
Can I watch BET with an HD antenna?
Unfortunately over-the-air antennas only pickup local broadcast stations. To get cable networks like BET, you‘ll need a pay TV or streaming provider.
How can I watch BET if traveling or living abroad?
Utilizing a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can help you access US streaming platforms with BET programming internationally. Choose from many affordable monthly VPN providers.
And there you have it – a full reference guide for watching acclaimed BET networks on Dish and alternative modern providers.
Start Enjoying Iconic Black Entertainment
I don‘t know about you, but I‘m ready to dive into some binge-worthy BET! Whether long-running sitcoms, enthralling original dramas, can‘t-miss awards telecasts or endless throwbacks, Dish Network makes enjoying the best of Black Entertainment Television easy and affordable.
So what are you waiting for? Head over to Dish.com and compare packages or call to unlock current deals. Then settle in on your couch and let the entertainment begin! Just don‘t forget to set your dial guide to channel 124…that‘s your pass to the BET universe!
