The Jason Lee Show moves to BET Creator Studio ahead of Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards

The Jason Lee Show finds a new home

The Jason Lee Show, the flagship program from media company Hollywood Unlocked, has moved to BET Creator Studio after previous stints at iHeartMedia and Premiere Networks, Fox Soul, Revolt TV, and the Zeus Network. According to Billboard, the show premiered on the platform on April 8 and is now in its fourth season, with new episodes dropping every Wednesday on BET.com and BET's YouTube channel. BET Creator Studio is described by the cable network as a digital-first space for culture-forward creators.

Hollywood Unlocked CEO Jason Lee, who also serves as vice mayor of Stockton, California, was direct about why the move made sense. "To be able to create this collaborative relationship where we could bring the spice and virality of our show to such a legacy cultural brand and retain ownership is amazing," he told Billboard. Guests in the current season have included RZA of Wu-Tang Clan, actress Jenifer Lewis, and entrepreneur Dame Dash. Lee's wish list for future episodes includes Barack and Michelle Obama, Rihanna, and Queen Latifah.

Impact Awards: a new legacy honor

The timing of the BET move coincides with Hollywood Unlocked preparing its sixth annual Impact Awards, set to take place at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles on June 5. The ceremony will be hosted by Tiffany Haddish and stream live at 7 p.m. PT via the Zeus Network.

This year introduces a new distinction: the inaugural Patti LaBelle Legacy Award, named after and accepted by the Grammy-winning artist. The evening's other honorees include Tyler Perry (Innovator Award), Kehlani (Fearlessness Award), Kirk Franklin (Inspiration Award), RZA (Culture Award), and Bozoma Saint John (Pioneer Award).

Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds will serve as musical director, with performances from Chloe, Donald Lawrence, Jekalyn Carr, Joyner Lucas, Kierra Sheard, and Shelea. The night will also include a tribute to gospel legend Richard Smallwood.

Proceeds benefit the Hollywood Cares Foundation, a nonprofit Lee established to support underserved youth in Black and Brown communities. The foundation received a $13 million grant from California Governor Gavin Newsom this year to build a youth center offering after-school programs and crisis support services.

Culture and ownership

Lee did not sidestep the broader context. BET is no longer Black-owned, having been sold to Viacom in 2001 and now under Paramount Skydance. Still, Lee told Billboard he remains hopeful that major media companies will invest in what audiences have already proven they want, rather than dictating it. "Culture is not a monolith," he said.