It's finally here. Election Night 2016. After what seemed like years of non-stop media coverage and mudslinging between presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, America finally votes to select a new leader of the free world. Given both the tone and the historic nature of the race, I expect a great many people to be tuning in to the election coverage tonight, but what if it becomes too stressful? It's a good thing that there are plenty of things you can watch on Election Night to calm yourself down if the going gets rough.
While all of the networks and cable news channels will be airing non-stop election coverage on Tuesday night, there are plenty of other TV stations where you won't see a single state turn red or blue. Instead you'll find a variety of other distractions to help you forget that there's even an election going on. With everything from nature programs, guilty pleasure reality shows, and classic sitcom marathons, to weird landscape cinematography accompanied by smooth jazz music, you'll find no shortage of places to tune in when you're looking to tune out. So take a look below at these 11 Election Night 2016 programs that have nothing to do with the actual presidential election coverage.
1. Chopped & Chopped Jr. Marathon
Cycle through endless episodes of both adults and children trying their best to make delicious food out of a basket of nonsense.
Where? Food Network. When? Starts at 2 p.m. ET/PT, lasts all night.
2. Basically Shark Week
Discovery's "Shark Week" is always must-see programming — which is probably why the Science Channel has turned Election Day into Shark Day, with various shark-based programs running all day and night.
Where? Science Channel. When? Starts at 1 p.m. ET/PT, lasts all night.
3. Holiday Headquarters
Regardless of who wins the election, the holidays are coming in just a few weeks. Might as well start preparing now.
Where? QVC. When? 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. ET/PT.
4. Friends Marathon
So no one told you life was gonna be this way? No one told these six '90s Manhattanites either. Commiserate with them.
Where? Nickelodeon. When? Starts at 9 p.m. ET/PT, lasts all night.
5. Drunk History Election Special
OK, so this doesn't ignore the election completely, but you won't see any actual results. Instead, expect to laugh at inebriated reenactments of politicians from years past.
Where? Comedy Central. When? 10:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET/PT.
6. Too Cute! Marathon
What better way to forget your troubles than by watching a bunch of adorable animals frolic?
Where? Animal Planet. When? Starts at 3 p.m. ET/PT, lasts all night.
7. Escape: An Earthoteric Marathon
Space out by watching footage of the Earth from space accompanied by trippy and bizarre music.
Where? COMET. When? Starts at 12 a.m. ET/PT, lasts all night.
8. Keeping Up With The Kardashians
Regardless of who wins the election, there won't be any question about who America's First Family truly is.
Where? E! When? 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET/PT.
9. The Simpsons Marathon
Forget what I just said about the Kardashians, this is America's First Family.
Where? FXX. When? 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. ET/PT.
10. The Curse Of Oak Island Marathon
By the end of the night you might have to move to Canada, but only because you'll want to solve the mystery of Oak Island for yourself.
Where? History. When? Starts at 11 a.m. ET/PT, lasts all night.
11. Escape The Election
Talk about serene. This mixture of clouds, rainbows, and smooth jazz is "guaranteed to evoke tranquility and set your soul at ease," according to The Weather Channel. Sounds like just the right thing to watch on Election Night.
When the election coverage gets to be too much, don't forget: This is America. You always have a choice in your Election Night programming.
