[5][6] BET+ was part of Viacom's 2017 turnaround strategy, which saw the company acquiring and investing into digital platforms.

[7][8][9] Prior to the announcement of BET+, Viacom acquired the free streaming platform Pluto TV on March 4, 2019, and launched several channels branded after Viacom-owned cable networks and IPs, including BET-branded channels.

[13][14] During that same year, Tyler Perry signed a multiyear production deal with Viacom.

[15] On June 24, 2019, BET+ was announced as a joint venture between BET and Tyler Perry Studios, set to launch in the fall of that year.

These shows have been acquired and co-produced by BET+ for exclusive first-run release in the United States through deals with international partners.