Streaming Wishlist: BET Plus Load These Shows

BET Plus debuted in 2019, like it's cable network counterpart. It carved its niche catering to Black audience. Partnering with Tyler Perry, the app Primarily features original dramas producing by Perry. Along with movies and sitcoms that can be found on the network as well.

At one time we had BET Plus (honestly may still have it), I did check out The Ms. Pat show but other than that and  revisiting a sitcom here and there I really don't use it. Not much on there really captured my attention.

In my opinion the app is just another one lacking in honoring the classics that built the brand that is BET. Here's some programming I would love to see on the service. 

106 and Park 

You can't start this list without making 106 and Park the first choice. Every weekday evening from the fall of 2000 'til 2014 when it became apparent music videos weren't as popular and BET was headed in another direction. 106 and Park was the place to be for the culture. Free and AJ initially held down the fort taking us on the journey.

Every weekday at 6 we could not wait to see what videos where going be in the top ten countdown. Who was coming to sit on the couch, freestyle Friday, live performances and impromptu moments. 23 years later 106 and Parks legacy is cherished by many who grew up during its heyday.

Video Soul

The show that put BET on the map. Donnie Simpson's star grew as the host of video soul and many artist success grew after they appeared on the show.

The show was revived for BET Plus earlier this summer, but I didn't hear much chatter about it. Which means it didn't work for some reason. BET Plus needs to look back to go forward in this case.

For those of us who were to young or weren't born during the show's heyday. This is a perfect opportunity to remind folks what this show did for the culture, why it meant so much to us and why it was BET's first major hit.

Teen Summit

This show just may have been ahead of its time. Airing  from 1989 to 2002 and featured real life everyday teens, seeking guidance and talking through issues teenagers face. 

Bringing this show back would show today's teenagers the problems they face. Are the same problems teens from previous years faced. Maybe just maybe they'd start believing their parents were no different from them.

All Previous BET Awards

The BET Awards has been running for 22 years now, but it's just not the same.  I honestly thought BET Plus would have showcased the original from 2001-on but  to no luck. I've only seen the 2017 and 2019 ones available, which is a crime. All 22 editions each providing moments for the culture over the years should be available.

Moments like Beyonce and Kendrick Lamar performing Freedom at the 2016 BET Awards. 50 Cent shooting his shot and later booking Vivica A. Fox, Michael Jackson surprising James Brown as he accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award. The Fugees reuniting, even the cast of the Five Heartbeats performed with After 7. All moments that should be accessible to be replayed over and over again.

Check out this promo from the 2005 awards show where of all people, Will and Jada were the hosts and eh some of the jokes sure didn't age well. And a foreshadowing of Will "defending" Jada years later.

Comic view 

Like HBO's Def Comedy Jam, Comic View introduced us to many of today's comic legends. Of course much cleaner versions of them, but even without cursing they had us laughing our asses off. I use to love those compilation episodes featuring the best of the best because you could not stop laughing for the whole 45 minutes.

A Who's who of comedies appeared on the show such as D.L. Hughley, Cedric The Entertainer, Sommore, Leslie Jones, Bruce Bruce, Lil' Duval, Mo' Nique,  Rickey Smiley, Sheryl Underwood, Don D.C. Curry, J. Anthony Brown, Arnez J., Michael Blackson, everyone's favorite white comic Gary Owens. And of course Kevin Hart back in the 2000's right before he really took off.

Let's Stay Together 

Back in 2011 when BET kept The Game alive, they also aired an original series called Let's Stay Together. Starring Kyla Pratt and RonReaco Lee (Tyreke in Sister Sister), the series followed a group of friends in different stages of relationships who depend on one another for support.

The show ran for four seasons and was actually funnier than its given credit for. While writing this now that I think about it, it was similar to another criminally underrated sitcom. For Your Love that use to air on the WB in the 90's.

Rap City

Rap City was the show to tune into to catch the hottest mainstream and underground rappers and music videos out. 

The show initially featured the host traveling to different cities covering their hip hop scene. It then moved to an taped studio format in the basement. That's when it became famous for the freestyle booth that former host Tigger use to join in with show guests. That segment is where rappers were able to prove who was a real rapper and could think of anything off the top of their dome.

Even with Big Tigger hinting that an revival is on the way. Rap City was a video time capsule of hip hop history from the late 80s to the early 2000s. Its time to uncover the historical artifacts for a new generation.

Baldwin Hills

Baldwin Hills was BET's answer to MTV shows like Laguna Beach. It follows a group of teenagers who live in the predominantly Black, wealthy area of LA Baldwin Hills.

The show is currently available on Hulu. I'm not 100% sure how the licensing deal is worked out, and I'm sure Hulu is paying a nice piece of change to air it. However, it's time to air it on BET plus. Highlight Black teenagers even if it's from 15 plus year's ago, living in the upper echelon of society and what life was like for them at that time.

College Hill

Like Baldwin Hills, College Hill is also available on Hulu and Paramount Plus. The show ran for four reasons with each season covering students from a different HBCU. Like most reality shows featuring young adults you have relationship issues, blossoming romances, fights and all the excitement that keeps you tuning in week after week.

College Hill ran for six seasons and  is probably an unsung hero of students attending various HBCU's that the students on the show were from.