Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated actor and comedian Anthony Anderson has officially been tapped to host the Soul Train Awards 2026. The highly anticipated celebration marks a major comeback for the franchise, returning after a three-year absence and heading back to its roots in Chicago.
The two-hour telecast is scheduled to tape on Thursday, November 5, at the Harris Theater in Chicago-the very city where visionary creator Don Cornelius launched the historic cultural platform over 50 years ago. Fans can tune in to watch the broadcast on Friday, November 27, at 8:00 PM ET/PT. In a historic first for the franchise, the ceremony will air on BET and make its simultaneous broadcast debut on CBS, alongside simulcasts across BET HER, VH1, MTV2, and LOGO.
A Homecoming Rooted in Cultural History
Sharing his enthusiasm for anchoring the revived ceremony, Anthony Anderson expressed a deep connection to the franchise’s rich heritage.
“I’m thrilled to be back with BET and especially excited to host Soul Train Awards in Chicago, where the Soul Train legacy began,” Anderson said in a statement. “Soul Train is more than a television show or an awards franchise; it’s a piece of our cultural history. Don Cornelius created a platform that gave Black artists a place to shine, and generations later, that spirit is still alive.”
Connie Orlando, Executive Vice President of Specials, Music Programming, and Music Strategy for BET, praised Anderson’s unique qualifications for the monumental evening. “Anthony brings an incredible combination of comedic instinct, musical knowledge, and genuine love for this culture,” Orlando noted. Louis Carr, President of BET, echoed these sentiments, highlighting Anderson’s ability to unite audiences around the profound legacy of Soul Train.
An Extensive Hosting Pedigree
Anderson is no stranger to guiding major television events. His impressive resume includes hosting the NAACP Image Awards for nearly a decade, fronting the 75th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in 2024, and co-hosting the BET Awards in 2015 and 2016 alongside his black-ish co-star Tracee Ellis Ross. He also previously hosted the Soul Train Awards back in 2013.
Presented by sponsors Spotify and Toyota, the 2026 ceremony aims to bridge the gap between legacy icons who defined the classic R&B and soul sound and the contemporary artists carrying the culture forward today. While performers, honorees, and surprise guest appearances are expected to be announced by BET in the coming weeks, the excitement surrounding the return of “the hippest trip in America” is already palpable.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Soul Train Awards 2026
When and where will the Soul Train Awards 2026 air?
The awards show airs on Friday, November 27, at 8:00 PM ET/PT. It will be broadcast on BET and, for the first time in history, simulcast on CBS, as well as BET HER, VH1, MTV2, and LOGO.
Where is the show being taped?
The 2026 ceremony is taping on Thursday, November 5, at the Harris Theater in Chicago, Illinois-the birthplace of the original Soul Train franchise.
Who is hosting the 2026 ceremony?
Award-winning actor, comedian, and television host Anthony Anderson is hosting the event.
Why is the return of the Soul Train Awards a big deal?
The 2026 telecast marks the return of the franchise after a three-year hiatus, celebrating its homecoming to Chicago and its first-ever broadcast network debut on CBS.
Who originally created Soul Train?
Soul Train was created in 1971 by Don Cornelius, serving as a groundbreaking nationally syndicated platform that showcased Black music, culture, and dance for over three decades.
