If you grew up glued to BET the way I did—whether you were watching from your mama’s house in the Midwest or your dorm room on the East Coast—you already know Black Entertainment Television was more than just TV. It was the culture. It was our culture. BET gave us the music, the fashion, the attitude, and the voices we didn’t see anywhere else on TV. From 106 & Park to Teen Summit, from Comic View to Video Soul, these shows didn’t just entertain—they shaped how we moved, talked, dressed, and thought.
BET hosts? Man, they were like family. We let them into our homes every day. They introduced us to new artists, made us laugh after a long day, and kept us informed on the stuff that mattered. These hosts had presence. They brought flavor, charm, and authenticity that nobody could copy—because you just had to be it to do it.
Now, don’t get me wrong. This list right here? It’s not about just popularity or who had the most Instagram followers (though some of these folks are still eating good off that social media clout). This is about impact. Longevity. Energy. And that unforgettable vibe that still hits, years after the lights went down and the show went off air.
So here it is, fam: a celebration of the 20 most iconic BET TV show hosts who left a mark on the network—and on us. From the trailblazers who kicked in the door to the cool kids who held it down for the next generation, these are the ones who made BET what it was.
20. Brent Walker
If you know, you know. Brent Walker wasn’t flashy, but he had that grown-man smoothness that kept Midnight Love feeling like a slow jam date night for the whole nation. He made it feel okay to be soft, romantic, and deep—Black men needed that energy on TV. His voice was velvet, and his presence was calm. Brent didn’t need gimmicks—he let the music and the vibe speak for itself.
19. Don “DC” Curry
Before Uncle Elroy stole our hearts in Next Friday, Don “DC” Curry was the quick-witted host of Comic View, throwing jokes with that Southern play-uncle swagger. He brought a coolness to the stage, like your funny cousin who always had a story to tell. He gave countless comedians their first big break, all while keeping the crowd in stitches.
18. Mo’Nique
Queen Mo held down Comic View with the boldness and brilliance only she could bring. Loud, proud, and hilarious, Mo’Nique celebrated full-figured Black women with no apologies. Her “skinny bitches are evil” bit is iconic. She commanded the stage with love, fire, and truth-telling wrapped in comedy gold. She didn’t just host—she owned that show.
17. Big Lez
If the ’90s had a heartbeat, Big Lez was it. As co-host of Rap City and the face of Planet Groove, she brought style, dance, and serious hip-hop credibility. Trained dancer, music head, and one of the flyest to ever do it—Big Lez gave women in hip-hop media real representation.
16. Jacque Reid
Elegant, informed, and unapologetically Black, Jacque Reid brought journalistic excellence to BET News. When she reported it, we listened. She had the kind of poise and presence that made you trust the message. In a world of soundbites and gossip, Jacque stood tall as one of the grown-up voices BET needed.
15. Kirk Franklin
Nobody did gospel TV like Kirk Franklin on Sunday Best. His charisma, energy, and unapologetic faith made gospel feel fresh and accessible. Kirk was never preachy—just real. He brought that church-choir fire with a hip-hop twist and turned a talent show into a spiritual celebration.
14. Rickey Smiley
When Rickey Smiley hosted Comic View, he made it feel like a family reunion with that one wild cousin leading the program. His prank calls, old-man characters, and Southern-bred comedy lit up the screen. Rickey brought a down-home vibe to BET that made everybody feel welcome.
13. D.L. Hughley
The man had presence. On Comic View and beyond, D.L. gave us sharp social commentary wrapped in comedy. He made you laugh, then made you think. His delivery was smooth, his timing was perfect, and you could always count on him to say what needed to be said—even if it cut deep.
12. Sommore
The “Diva of Comedy” herself, Sommore brought elegance and edge to Comic View. She didn’t just tell jokes—she gave you a whole mood. She wore her crown with confidence and owned that stage like royalty. Smart, sexy, and unapologetic, Sommore made it clear: the mic isn’t just for the fellas.
11. Ed Gordon
Ed Gordon was the grown man in the room when things got real. As the face of BET News and specials, he asked the hard questions and brought serious Black issues to light. From interviewing presidents to covering civil rights, Ed gave BET its credibility as more than just music videos and comedy. He was the news anchor we deserved.