Plot Synopsis

AMERICAN SOUL is a one-hour drama series that chronicles the history of SOUL TRAIN by blending fictional and real-life characters and moments. Set in the early '70s -- filled with music, dance, fashion and glamour -- the series reveals what it took to launch the first nationally-syndicated Black music show and what happened when the music stopped. Battles with record labels for top talent, off-camera drama as young dancers vie for the spotlight, stand in the way of a 30-something Don Cornelius who is sacrificing all that he loves to follow his dream. The journeys of these characters collide in a racially charged LA with the odds stacked against them. As one of the first performers young Don Cornelius books for SOUL TRAIN, Gladys Knight proves instrumental in the national syndicated launch of the program. Don impresses Gladys with his groundbreaking vision, and turns a would-be business transaction into a true friendship. Kelly Rowland, who guest stars as Knight, recorded an original version of the Soul legend's classic hit, "Midnight Train to Georgia."

The eight-episode second season of AMERICAN SOUL premiered on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at 10pm ET/PT on BET, with a simulcast on BET Her. Inspired by the personal trials and professional successes of a young, ambitious and troubled impresario Don Cornelius, the period drama picks up in 1975 -- two years after Season 1. As Don becomes a rising star, he continues to manage an assortment of spectacular talent that comes to his show, a complicated family life, failing personal health, and perhaps most importantly, his ego. The new season features dynamic guest stars portraying some of the most prolific musicians and visionaries of the era. Big Boi, Ledisi, Melanie Fiona, Demetria McKinney, London Brown, Darius McCrary, Tone Bell, Yung Joc, D.C. Young Fly, Christopher B. Duncan, Kearran Giovanni, Alex Ball, and Hudson Thames lend their talents throughout the season.
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On Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at 10pm ET/PT, BET premiered "So Long, Sucker," the Season 2 finale of AMERICAN SOUL, with a simulcast on BET Her. As Don battles with his raging migraines, he looks to secure a new talk show with the network; after surviving their near-death experience, Simone and JT search for their own independence and win over Aiya's foster parents.