What to watch instead of Trump’s second inauguration
Alas, there are some people who don’t have the option to shut down on Monday like Donald Trump was once again sworn in as president—billionaire, historiansjournalists (including us, of course great colleagues here at Vanity fair). But others have no such duties, they are free to devote January 20 to any other pursuit.
If you’re also looking to ignore what’s going on in Washington — at least for a few hours — read on for 13 ideas on where to train your eyes. Finding joy and entertainment in the face of an increasingly hostile reality: is there anything more American than that?
East & Down
I’m not think I’m watching this movie because I want to understand what makes a cicada’s shrill, shockingly vulgar, disturbingly compelling noise. (Finally, before it’s too late!) But maybe! Danny McBride has certainly pulled off a notable trick in this series, leaving us rooting for a character to be terrifying on every possible level. Mostly, though, I think I watch East because nihilistic laughter is an industrial-strength distraction from whatever else is terrible going on out there. —Mike Hogan
American
Instead of tuning in Carrie Underwood, Chris MacchioAnd village people concert, I’ll dive into the FX American for the first time – something I should have done a long time ago. Despite being a relatively engaged millennial, I never got around to watching the Emmy-winning spy thriller starring actors who are now married. Kerri Russell And Matthew Rhys during its initial run. So what better way to ignore the incoming political administration than to return to the old days of Obama-era prestige television? (In spite of American ended during Trump’s first term, it still counts.) And who knows? Delving into a series that interrogates what it means to be “an American” may be just what the doctor ordered on inauguration day. Plus, there’s the added benefit of being seen a love story unfolds in real time. —Chris Murphy
Ina Garden
When in doubt, rewatch old episodes of Contessa barefoot to reduce heart rate immediately. That’s what I will do! —Caitlin Brody
competitor
In time loss of political spiritI crave entertainment as far removed from modern-day America as possible. Think of British period pieces: the more escapist and romantic, the better. by Hulu Competitor, a soapy, sexy version of Jilly CooperHis bodice-ripping novels, set in gossipy rural England in the 1980s, fit that bill perfectly. You think Challenger Is it hot and uncomfortable? Meet Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell), a sassy former Olympic equestrian whose second act includes nude tennis matches with other people’s wives. competitor ostensibly about Rupert’s longtime relationship with Lord Tony Baddingham (David Tennant), a socialite television executive who brings along whiskey-drunk Irish journalist Declan O’Hara (Aidan Turner) on his cross. But the film’s real appeal lies in its love stories, like the simmering attraction between Rupert and Taggie O’Hara (Bella Maclean), Declan’s much younger, radiant daughter. This is a slow burn that you can safely stick with now that the series has been renewed for a second season. This is the only second semester I’m excited to watch this year. —Savannah Walsh
A real live movie
On Monday, I plan to go to the theater to see both A complete unknown (second time! This is my personal Oscar) and Felon. Sitting in silence — and in a place where you have to put your phone away — seems to be the best course of action for my mental health. —Caroline Brooks
30 stones
I mean, it’s something I’ve been watching pretty much every night for the past few months—a rewatch that I highly appreciated suggest. But I also couldn’t be more certain about the power of this program to counterprogram the inauguration. Tina FeyThe Emmy Award-winning sitcom rarely lets an episode go by without some sharp, unusual, over-the-top political commentary—I’m currently at the end of the “Jack’s Wife Captured by North Korea” storyline toad,” in there, sure—but it’s so silly to be overwhelmed by political views. For one, Jack Donaghy’s status as a proud Reagan Republican, these days, goes down like a strong dose of nostalgia, and that will never be more true than on MAGA completes its takeover of the party. —David Canfield
quit
On Inauguration Day, I plan to watch a show about exploitative billionaires, corporate bosses, and ordinary people having brain surgery to escape real-world events. No, I’m not talking about the news: I’m talking about new season of quit. —Joy Press
Anything by David Lynch
If the real world seems too scary, try entering Lynch’s universe and see how you feel. From Twin peaks ARRIVE Mulholland Road, The dearly departed director will definitely take you to a place where you feel both familiar and strange. There’s a reason “Lynchian” has become an adjective for movie buffs, and if you don’t understand why, I suggest you find out on Monday. —John Ross
Challenge
If you are a fan of SurvivorTrust me: get involved Challenge on Paramount+. Start in TJ Lavin era, anything from “The Gauntlet II” onwards. Over the years, the show has become the sister-in-law of Survivor: the physicality on this show is much more demanding and each season of the game has a new set of rules. It’s mindless fun, yet at the end of every season you’re rooting for your favorite players to win. Not the same Survivor, Challenge also attracts a lot of returning players each season, so there are alliances that last many years. You could spend an entire weekend watching this show — and I would! —JR
Traitors to the British Crown
Instead of living in the squalor of this country, it is possible to download a VPN and take a virtual trip to the UK, where their version traitors is happening in full swing. It’s been a crackerjack season so far, with at least one traitor good at the game and a bunch of eccentric loyalists. The UK version uses all the canons so it’s not available Love Island I’m afraid it’s the people in the castle. But in a way, that makes the show more interesting, seeing how ordinary people crack or grow under the sudden pressure of TV cameras and a mission. service. —Richard Lawson
West Wing
You think you remember how transcendent the series was (okay, maybe not Moira Kelly), But West Wing shines exceptionally brightly (okay, not the following seasons Aaron Sorkin left) as it is observed as the real world goes dark. Instead of just praising the obvious – the often breathtaking writing, for example – I’ll just say that revisiting the present moment almost makes our hearts ache with reverence for the man and the capabilities of a nation that our once-future president once spoke about. is “like a trash can.” Vote Jed Bartlet. —Jeff Giles
Monitor
An episode of an old Western TV show called “Doomsday” attracted a lot of attention in 2016, when Trump was first elected—and for good, almost startling reasons. . The story, about a Texas Ranger (played by Robert Culp) who tries to stop a shameless con man from wreaking havoc on a small border town, features a villain named—I No kidding—Trump. Lines like “You’re a liar, Trump!” abound everywhere. It resonates even more now when the local judge (Richard Hale) laments his defrauded community: “I know these people quite well. And right now, there’s nothing in the world that has can change their minds.” The script is by the late John Robinson, a long-time scribe seinealso predicted the former and soon-to-be next president litigation phase. “Be careful son, I might sue you!” the huckster growled when the lawyer threatened to expose him. Lawrence Dobkin doesn’t look much like Donald, but he sure sounds like him, especially in his deadpan opening rallying cry: “I bring you a message that only I can read in the fire of the universe!” Monitor Not streaming anywhere, but you can find episode on YouTube. You won’t believe it. —Anthony Breznican
Daniel tiger
Is this the default answer because my young child doesn’t go to school on Monday? Yes, that’s right. But I’m sure I don’t Are not longing to temporarily immerse myself in the Land of Make-Believe, where transportation is free, postal workers are respected, and kindness is king. Well, King Friday is actually king. But as dictators go, he seems quite benevolent. —Hillary Busis
