What to Watch Besides Super Bowl LX This Sunday (18 Best Shows)

What to watch instead of the Super Bowl: dramas, comedies, cartoons, or more sports

While the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots prepare to face off in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday, non-sportsball fans seek something else to watch on TV. After all, four hours of football and halftime-show pageantry isn’t everybody’s cup of beer. So it’s good to have options for what to watch instead of the Super Bowl.

But with so many streaming services, movies, and shows, it can be tough to pick a winner. Don’t stress. The CableTV.com staff watches a lot of TV, so we can recommend tons of counterprogramming, including prestige TV like the adrenaline-drenched trading floors of “Industry,” the chivalrous heart of the new “Game of Thrones” prequel, “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,” and the grit and greed of the new Affleck-Damon heist thriller, “The RIP.”

Or, if you’re looking to scratch a competitive itch without the constant whistles, the 2026 Winter Olympics are in full swing on Peacock, providing a global stage that makes a fourth-quarter drive look like a walk in the park. Alternatively, you can check out the steamy hockey drama of “Heated Rivalry,” the feel-good soccer comedy, “Ted Lasso,” or the four-legged action of the “American Kennel Club Events” on ESPN.

Craving a fresh binge? The timing couldn’t be better. Prime Video’s “Fallout” just wrapped a stellar second season, and Disney+ has unleashed the full 10-episode run of the sleeper hit “Wonder Man.” Is your vibe more cozy tea than domestic light beer? Dive into the Victorian mysteries of “Miss Scarlet,” the earnestly hilarious emotional growth of “Shrinking,” or the treacherous games of “The Traitors.” And if your vibe is a bit greener, you can hop on YouTube and inhale 400 episodes of the cult-favorite cartoon “Pine Vinyl.”

In all, we’ve found 18 ways to ensure your Sunday is a total win—no stadium seating required.

“American Kennel Club Events” | ESPN

Earlier this week, federal regulators approved a landmark deal between ESPN and NFL Media that paves the way for the network’s first Super Bowl broadcast in 2027. Before ESPN ekes more gameday coverage from its NFL broadcast team next year, consider watching this year’s ESPN Super Bowl counterprogramming.

For starters, the Worldwide Leader will bring ESPN8: The Ocho out of storage on ESPNews all day. During the Super Bowl broadcast, check out competitions for sports like FlingGolf (golf with lacrosse-like rackets), OmegaBall (soccer with three teams playing simultaneously), and Viii Sports (not Wii Sports, but a three-minute octathlon).

But if you need to wind yourself or the kids down after halftime, we’ll shout out American Kennel Club Events, which kicks off at 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN. What’s better than watching the Seahawks keep the Patriots from winning the Super Bowl? Corgis! Corgis! Corgis! —Eric Chiu, Internet Editor

“Fallout” | Prime Video

Prime Video’s hit video game adaptation just wrapped its second season this week, so Super Bowl Sunday is the perfect time to catch up or give it a watch.

“Fallout” continues to nail the tightrope act of nodding to its source material without turning into a lore-heavy slog. We’d watch Walton Goggins read the phonebook (with or without a nose), Ella Purnell remains perfectly cast as Lucy, and Kyle MacLachlan’s villain era takes new turns this year. —Eric Chiu, Internet Editor

“Heated Rivalry” | HBO Max

If you somehow haven’t watched the hottest (and steamiest) TV show on the planet, I’d say Super Bowl Sunday is a good time to start—because I have a feeling most people who watch “Heated Rivalry” aren’t in it for the sports.

Based on Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” book series, “Heated Rivalry” follows the secret decade-long, enemies-to-lovers romance between hockey superstars Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov.

Hockey? Yes. High-stakes? Yes. Hella tension? Yes. Maybe just don’t watch this one at your Super Bowl party or things may get awkward. —Logan Jones, Staff Writer

“Industry” | HBO, HBO Max

HBO wants you to forget about the all-out blitzes because the real sacks happen on the trading floor of Pierpoint & Co. “Industry” is a high-octane, Brit-drama dive into the world of international finance where the stakes are higher than a fourth-quarter Hail Mary (or penalty kick, if you will).

As slick as it is stressful, “Industry” features a young(ish) cast of characters (Charlie Heaton from “Stranger Things” and Kiernan Shipka from “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina,” to name a few) who play dirtier than any linebacker. If you want a show that pulses with ambition and enough prestige-TV energy to make you forget the game even exists, this is your MVP. —Mike Strayer, Managing Editor

“A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” | HBO, HBO Max

If you prefer your battles with broadswords instead of pigskins, the latest “Game of Thrones” prequel is the ultimate Sunday night alternative. Set roughly a century before Daenerys was even a thought, this series follows Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey) and his diminutive squire, Egg (newcomer Dexter Sol Ansell).

“A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” is a more intimate, character-driven look at the Seven Kingdoms that trades massive CGI dragons for grounded chivalry and genuine heart, and it’s the perfect counter-programming for those who’d rather see a trial by combat than a coin toss. —Mike Strayer, Managing Editor

“Make Some Noise” | Dropout

“Make Some Noise” has a pretty simple premise. Host Sam Reich puts a prompt on the board, and then 1–3 improv comedians have to riff off of it. So if he says “Mad Max: Fury Road: Driver’s Ed,” players have to muster their best gravelly Wasteland voice.

Yes, it’s very similar to “Whose Line is it Anyway,” the hit ABC show from the early 2000s. But it’s legally distinct! Technically, it’s a spinoff of “Game Changer,” one of Dropout’s other popular game shows. In “Game Changer,” the game changes every show, but when they find a concept they like, they spin it off “unchanged.” In fact, the two shows, like everything else on the platform, share a lot of the same talent, including “SNL” player Jeremy Culhane and “PONIES” star Vic Michaelis.

“Make Some Noise” is currently in its fourth season. You can watch the episodes in any order, and without knowing anything about “Game Changer.”  —Olivia Bono, Staff Writer

“Miss Scarlet” | PBS

This one’s for the folks who prefer period dramas and PBS Masterpiece over passes and punts. (Guilty as charged.)

If you’d rather enjoy a cozy cup of tea than a Bud Light—but hey, your drink choice is up to you—might I recommend tuning into the period crime drama “Miss Scarlet,” whose newest episode premieres on Super Bowl Sunday.

Think: Victorian era, strong female main character (who’s a detective!), secret romance (scandalous!), and good old-fashioned murder mysteries. I mean, is there really a better combo for a cold February Sunday night? Not in my book. —Logan Jones, Staff Writer

“Ninotchka” | TCM

Have you ever seen Greta Garbo laugh? If not, skip the Super Bowl and watch TCM’s presentation of “Ninotchka,” the 1939 romantic comedy that famously marketed itself on that very premise. Garbo shines as the stern Soviet envoy sent to Paris to retrieve three renegade Russians and the royal jewels. But she soon finds her iron will melting under the spell of the city—and the dashing Melvyn Douglas.

Arriving just a month after World War II began, this Ernst Lubitsch masterpiece offered the world a vital comedic escape. It stands tall as a highlight of 1939, a year often cited as the greatest in cinema history. If you’re looking for sophisticated wit over gridiron grit, this is your best play. —Taylor Kujawa, Sports Editor

“Pine Vinyl” | YouTube

Fifteen months ago, I stumbled upon a 12-year-old secret: “Pine Vinyl,” an adult animation web series centered on two stoner best friends who ditch their day jobs to run a Minneapolis record shop. Since then, I watch the show every day.

Amazingly, it’s a one-man show. Creator Luke LaRock handles writing, animation, voice acting, and even music. While the early days offer a charmingly raw aesthetic (think “The Simpsons” Season 1), LaRock’s relentless work ethic has transformed the show. Today, the animation is sharp (though still a bit basic), and the writing is hilarious, sometimes poignant and topical.

With over 400 individual episodes, a sprawling “Springfield-esque” roster of characters, and a rapidly expanding fanbase, “Pine Vinyl” isn’t just a web-toon—it’s an institution. Forget the trailer; dive straight into the deep end with the Top 5 Essential Episodes (linked above), curated by the fans (give my regards to Jeremiah F**kem).  —Randy Harward, Senior Staff Writer

“Remember the Titans” | Disney+

Let’s say your favorite team didn’t make it to the Super Bowl. You may not wanna watch the big game, but you may want to engage in football on some level on the sport’s most high-profile day.

I’d like to recommend “Remember the Titans,” which I consider the best football movie ever made. Denzel Washington takes over a high school football team during a time when racial segregation is being undone. The film is about friendship, personal growth, and brotherhood. And, the football scenes are undeniable. —Alex Vejar, Junior Sports Writer

“The RIP” | Netflix

Affleck. Damon. 20 million dollars. The Tactical Narcotics Team discovers the cartel’s cash safehouse. Every department has crooked cops. The only issue is finding them before it’s too late.

Based on true events, Lieutenant Dane Dumars (Damon) has to navigate the largest rip to date while dealing with a team whose deception goes much deeper than anyone could have imagined. — Craig Stirland, Contributing Writer

“Shoresy” | Hulu

If you’re not into football’s biggest game, but you still have a sportsball itch that needs scratchin’, how about some minor league hockey hilarity? Jared Keeso’s “Letterkenny” spinoff about an unrefined, potty-mouthed, veteran hockey enforcer (Keeso, in the titular role) who, on a bet, gets the chance to turn his losing team into champions. I watched the first season in a single sitting ’cause the show goes down easy, like domestic light beer. —Randy Harward, Senior Staff Writer

“Shrinking” | Apple TV

This TV show might be the philosophical opposite of football. Men and women—some of whom are actually pretty tall—looking inward, talking about their feelings, crying, and growing. Talk about counterprogramming.

“Shrinking” has become a pretty popular show, mostly on the backs of Jason Segel and Harrison Ford’s performances. Season 3 just dropped in late January, with new episodes every Wednesday.

So if earnest, funny storytelling is more your vibe, give this show a spin. —Alex Vejar, Junior Sports Writer

“SkyScraper: Live” | Netflix

Maybe you prefer the extreme side of sports. Did you miss Alex Honnold free-climbing Taipei 101 live? If so, no worries. You can rewatch one of the most daring events ever filmed.

From his famed free climb of El Capitan in Yosemite, Alex Hannold sets his sights on a new adventure: Free-soloing one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world, Taipei 101. No ropes, no gear, no mistakes. Rewatch the event on Netflix and experience all of the adrenaline. —Craig Stirland, Contributing Writer

“Ted Lasso” | Apple TV

If you’re interested in the true fútbol, might I suggest quite possibly the best show on not just the sport, but how to build a functioning team. “Ted Lasso” made a name for itself since its premier during the pandemic in 2020, capturing the hearts and minds of the masses with its titular character’s indestructible optimism and impeccable chemistry of its ensemble cast.

“Ted Lasso” was the most streamed TV show of 2023, per Deadline—the same year Season 3 premiered. And, Season 4 is slated for this summer. So this is the perfect time to either start watching, or start a rewatch to get ready for the new episodes.  —Alex Vejar, Junior Sports Writer

“The Traitors” | Peacock

Peacock is a great streaming service for watching the Olympics, but you don’t have to stick to sports. It’s also the perfect streaming service for reality TV, including this season’s hottest title: “The Traitors.”

There are about eight episodes out right now, and three left to go, so this is the perfect time to catch up before the final episodes. Watch as Alan Cumming lures another class of celebrities into his Highland castle for themed activities, smoked salmon, and murder. Will the Traitors make it through the game undetected? Or will the Faithful smoke them out?

Then catch up on the drama-behind-the-drama on social media—I recommend Instagram in particular. With a cast full of reality TV stars, things get messy, and every player is giving the behind-the-scenes tea to their devoted followers. Or just whoever the Instagram algorithm decides to show their Reels to. —Olivia Bono, Staff Writer

“Wonder Man” | Disney+

It’s been a minute since I felt strongly about a Marvel title. But while most Disney+ shows take characters I love from the comics and find new ways to disappoint me, “Wonder Man” took a character I felt very meh about and made me love him.

Or at least, is making me love him. As of writing, I still have a few episodes left to go. Disney+ dropped all 8 episodes at the end of January with very little advertisement, so it’s the perfect sleeper hit for bingeing this Sunday.

So what’s it about? Simon Williams, a struggling Hollywood actor, is auditioning for his dream role as his favorite superhero. There’s just one catch—super-powered people aren’t allowed to work in movies (for insurance reasons), and the government is close to figuring out the extent of his real-life powers. Also, Ben Kingsley returns as Trevor Slattery, tying the series into “Iron Man 3” and “Shang-Chi.” —Olivia Bono, Staff Writer

Winter Olympics | Peacock, CNBC, USA Network

For sports fans who aren’t that into football, the Winter Olympics offer the perfect Super Bowl Sunday alternative. While the live events in Milan will be done for the day by kickoff, you can still catch up on all the action thanks to CNBC and USA Network. Better yet, Peacock houses complete access to the Games, allowing you to stream replays of any events you missed during the busy opening weekend.

As counterprogramming to the Big Game, CNBC will air replays of mixed doubles curling, while USA Network will feature speed skating, snowboarding, and women’s hockey. And if you’re still awake when the Super Bowl confetti clears, NBC’s “Primetime in Milan” coverage begins around 10:45 p.m. ET. —Taylor Kujawa, Sports Editor

What to watch instead of the Super Bowl FAQ