Anthony Anderson Returns as Host for Soul Train Awards' First Broadcast on CBS
Anthony Anderson is set to host the 2026 Soul Train Awards on November 27, marking the show's return after a two-year hiatus and its debut on CBS alongside BET. The Black-ish star, who previously hosted the event in 2013, brings extensive experience from hosting the Emmy Awards and NAACP Image Awards multiple times. The two-hour ceremony will be taped November 5 in Chicago, honoring the city's historic connection to the Soul Train legacy.
The 2026 Soul Train Awards marks a significant milestone as the ceremony expands its broadcast reach to include CBS for the first time in its history, joining longtime partner BET. The taping will take place in Chicago, deliberately honoring the city's foundational role in Soul Train's creation and cultural impact. This return follows a two-year absence, with the last ceremony held in 2023, suggesting renewed institutional commitment to the franchise.
Anderson's hosting credentials span multiple prestigious ceremonies, including nine consecutive years helming the NAACP Image Awards and the 2024 Primetime Emmy Awards. His connection to BET extends beyond this assignment, reflecting an established professional relationship that network executives cited when announcing his selection.
The Soul Train Awards' expansion to CBS could broaden viewership among audiences less regularly engaged with BET programming, potentially increasing the ceremony's cultural visibility and advertiser interest. For Black artists and musicians in R&B and soul genres, wider distribution may enhance recognition and industry prestige associated with winning. The Chicago location and emphasis on legacy may reinvigorate interest in the franchise among longtime fans while introducing it to younger viewers unfamiliar with Soul Train's historical significance in entertainment.