After the longest government shutdown in American history, President Donald Trump will finally get to deliver his State of the Union address before a joint session of Congress and television audiences everywhere. All major broadcast networks and 24-hour cable news channels will carry the address, which is slated to begin at 9 p.m. ET. The White House website and Facebook will also be streaming the telecast as it happens.
This means that a lot of TV programming initially slated for the 9 p.m. ET hour on Tuesday has been postponed or rescheduled. So if Trump’s delayed State of the Union has irked you because of this (or if it just generally irritates you), here are some options for what to watch instead.
Trump’s State of the Union: What to watch instead
American Soul on BET
Since BET won’t be airing Trump’s State of the Union, then audiences can check out co-creators Jonathan Prince and Devon Greggory’s new drama series about the creation of the TV music program Soul Train. It primarily focuses on the show’s legendary creator and host Don Cornelius, played here by Sinqua Walls. The ensemble cast of real-life characters is filled out by the likes of Jason Dirden, Iantha Richardson, Christopher Jefferson, Katlyn Nichol, Jelani Winston and Kelly Price.
Ray Romano: Right Here, Around the Corner on Netflix
Comedian Ray Romano has recently pursued more dramatic and surprising roles in his acting career, especially in the films The Big Sick and Paddleton. 23 years after his last stand-up special, however, he returns to his roots with a brand new one titled Ray Romano: Right Here, Around the Corner. Combining two sets from the Comedy Cellar and Village Underground clubs in New York, the new Netflix special is now streaming.
Trump’s State of the Union: What to watch instead
The Office marathon on Comedy Central
Ahead of The Daily Show’s live special State of the Union 2019: Uncancelled, Comedy Central will be airing a marathon of NBC’s The Office. The mid-seventh season episodes “PDA” and “Threat Level Midnight” will be airing at 9 and 9:30 p.m. ET respectively. The first is a Valentine’s Day-themed episode, while the second concerns Michael Scott’s (Steve Carell) long-gestating film of the same name, which he finally finishes and screens for the company.
The Simpsons marathon on FXX
Speaking of TV marathons, FXX will be in the middle of multiple episodes of The Simpsons when President Trump tries to stick to the teleprompter at 9 p.m. ET. Specifically, the season 22 episode “Homer the Father,” in which the family’s patriarch models his parenting on tired plotlines from 1980s sitcoms. Meanwhile, his son Bart tries to trade nuclear secrets he uncovered with the Chinese government. So, you know, good ol’ American programming.
Trump’s State of the Union: What to watch instead
Gossip Girl on Netflix
The CW President Mark Pedowitz recently confirmed that network executives were discussing the possibility of a Gossip Girl reboot. Whether or not Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage’s 2007 classic teen soap opera ever comes back via the (hopefully dwindling) TV revival boom, perhaps the State of the Union is as good a time as any to revisit the show. All six seaosns are currently available to stream on Netflix.
Russian Doll on Netflix
Even if you haven’t watched Natasha Lyonne‘s brilliant new series Russian Doll yet, chances are you’ve heard of it. Co-created with Amy Poehler and Leslye Headland, the eight-episode first season doesn’t take too long to binge thanks to each entry’s half-hour runtime. Timing notwithstanding, of course, Netflix subscribers should check out the show because it’s really, really good. It’s also going to be one of the most talked about TV debuts of 2019.
