Anthony Anderson Will Host 2026 Soul Train Awards
The veteran actor returns to lead the awards ceremony as it shifts to a simultaneous broadcast on BET and CBS.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in R&B
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Anthony Anderson is set to host the 2026 Soul Train Awards, which will air on November 27, 2026. The ceremony is returning to the Harris Theater in Chicago to celebrate the city where the iconic music franchise began.
Why it matters
The 2026 broadcast marks the first time the Soul Train Awards will air on CBS, signaling a wider distribution strategy for the storied franchise. After a hiatus since 2023, the event returns to its birthplace to honor its historical roots in Chicago.
Anthony Anderson previously hosted the NAACP Image Awards for nine consecutive years from 2014 to 2022 and the 75th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in 2024. He has received seven consecutive Primetime Emmy nominations and won eight total Image Awards.
The players
Anthony Anderson
He is an accomplished actor and comedian known for his extensive history as a host for major industry ceremonies.
BET
This media network focuses on African American culture and is a long-standing home for the Soul Train Awards.
CBS
This is a major American television network that will broadcast the Soul Train Awards for the first time in 2026.
The details
The upcoming awards show will be taped on November 5, 2026, at the Harris Theater. The two-hour program will reach a broader audience through a simultaneous broadcast across both BET and CBS networks.
Timeline
2023: The year the last Soul Train Awards ceremony was held.
November 5, 2026: The date the awards show will be taped.
November 27, 2026: The date the ceremony will be broadcast.
Industry Dynamics
This production represents a strategic evolution for the Soul Train Awards, which is expanding its reach by adding CBS to its broadcast footprint. By returning to the franchise birthplace of Chicago, the show aligns with industry trends of leveraging legacy brand nostalgia.
Viewers can watch the two-hour ceremony on November 27, 2026, via a simultaneous broadcast on BET and CBS. This dual-network access ensures that the event is available to a significantly wider audience than in previous years.
The takeaway
The return of the Soul Train Awards highlights the enduring value of legacy music franchises in a modern streaming landscape. Fans can mark their calendars for late November to see how the ceremony utilizes its new multi-network platform to celebrate R&B history.
Further reading
For more news on the music industry, visit our R&B section.
Live Poll
Do you plan to watch the upcoming 2026 Soul Train Awards broadcast?
