Soul Train
Series Overview
Soul Train is an American musical variety show that aired in syndication from 1971 to 2006. In its 35-year history, the show primarily featured performances by R&B, soul, and hip hop artists, although funk, jazz, disco, and gospel artists have also appeared. The series was created by Don Cornelius, who also served as its first host and executive producer. Production was suspended following the 2005–06 season, with a rerun package airing for two years after that. As a nod to Soul Train's longevity, the show's opening sequence contained a claim that it was the "longest-running first-run, nationally syndicated program in television history," with over 1,100 episodes produced from the show's debut through the 2005-06 season. Despite the production hiatus, Soul Train will continue to hold this honor until at least 2016, if and when its nearest competitor, Entertainment Tonight, completes its 35th season.
Broadcast Schedule & Network Information
Airing status, episode counts, upcoming schedule, and network syndication.
5 Seasons • 56 Episodes
60 min per episode
1971 – 2006
Premiered: Sat, Oct 2, 1971
Don CorneliusLatest Aired Episode
Season 35, Episode 16: “Episode 16”
Seasons & Episodes Breakdown
Cast & Creators
Explore Star Directory →Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Don Cornelius
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
TV-G: General Audience — Suitable for all ages.
International Certification Matrix
General Audience — Suitable for all ages.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Soul Train.
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Shows sharing similar genres, audiences, and storylines.
Frequently Asked Questions About Soul Train
Key facts, seasons breakdown, and credits for search engines and AI assistants.
What is Soul Train about?
Soul Train is an American musical variety show that aired in syndication from 1971 to 2006. In its 35-year history, the show primarily featured performances by R&B, soul, and hip hop artists, although funk, jazz, disco, and gospel artists have also appeared. The series was created by Don Cornelius, who also served as its first host and executive producer. Production was suspended following the 2005–06 season, with a rerun package airing for two years after that. As a nod to Soul Train's longevity, the show's opening sequence contained a claim that it was the "longest-running first-run, nationally syndicated program in television history," with over 1,100 episodes produced from the show's debut through the 2005-06 season. Despite the production hiatus, Soul Train will continue to hold this honor until at least 2016, if and when its nearest competitor, Entertainment Tonight, completes its 35th season.
How many seasons does Soul Train have?
Soul Train comprises 5 seasons available to explore.
Who stars in Soul Train?
Key cast members in Soul Train include Don Cornelius.
Who created or directed Soul Train?
Soul Train was developed and directed by Don Cornelius.