We all know that there are two kinds of people in the world. Those who really want to watch the Super Bowl. And those who really don’t. If you happen to be among the latter, read on. There’s a world of great counter-programming available on Super Bowl Sunday. In fact, since the Big Game is only two days before Valentine’s Day, this might be the perfect moment for a Galentine’s or Palentine’s Day party. What’s the best football-free TV and other entertainment to watch on Super Bowl Sunday this year? Here’s what to watch on TV or movie streaming services instead of the Super Bowl LVII game on Sunday, February 12, 2023.
is there anything other than football on TV on Super Bowl LVII Sunday 2023?
It’s that time of the year again. You know the one. Everyone you know is buying beer, making bets, and sitting down to watch the biggest sporting event of the year – but you’re pretty sure that you have no idea who’s playing. Nor do you care.
What are the best cable TV and streaming shows and movies to watch on Super Bowl LVII Sunday 2023 instead of the NFL football game?
Maybe you’ve never even seen a game of American football before. Maybe when you saw the words “Super Bowl” in the title of this post, you could not say with one hundred percent certainty that you know which sport is being played in this epic sporting event.
Well, don’t worry, we understand. And we got you. There’s no reason to fake an interest in anything, especially something as optional as watching a football game (although we do strongly urge you to catch the halftime performance).
What are the best cable TV and streaming shows and movies to watch on Super Bowl LVII Sunday 2023 instead of the NFL football game?
If you don’t feel like tuning in to this year’s Super Bowl game, here are ten fantastic suggestions for other things you might want to watch instead. We’ve rounded up options that are new and old, short and long, so there should be something here that resonates for you.
What to Watch (or binge-watch) on Sunday Instead of the 2023 Super Bowl
1. the Puppy Bowl
If you’re a regular Super Bowl avoider, you probably already know all about The Puppy Bowl. It runs on the afternoon of Super Bowl Sunday – a few hours before kickoff time. And it’s exactly what it sounds like: adorable baby dogs, playing football, complete with expert commentary.
If you’re one of those people who’s always up for a cute puppy video but you somehow missed the boat on this one, there’s plenty of time to brush up on this year’s super-cute contestants before the big day. The two teams are Team Ruff and Team Fluff, and they compete for the Lombarky trophy. Could this be any cuter? Catch it on Animal Planet.
2. A Movie About Female Friendship
This year, the Super Bowl game just happens to fall on the night before Galentine’s Day. The unofficial-official holiday that takes place the day before Valentine’s Day (and was created by the writers for the beloved TV sitcom Parks and Recreation).
Perfect timing! What could be a better alternative to watching a football game that seems to play into every stereotype of Old School masculinity than an evening devoted to celebrating female friendship? If you’re up for this, check out our edit of movies starring badass women and their friends, here. Invite your squad over to watch (or host a virtual watch party), and your night is made.
3. A throw-back classic: The Baby-Sitters Club
And while we’re on the subject of female friendship, you really should make time to screen The Baby-Sitters Club. The Netflix original TV show based on the beloved books lasted only two seasons. It’s a great watch, especially when you’re in the mood for a flick that makes you want to call your girlfriends.
Smart, kind and well-written, the two seasons of the series both boast 100% approval ratings on Rotten Tomatoes. No matter how old you are, this will leave you feeling young again.
4. A buzzed-about comedy: Abbott Elementary
There’s a good chance you’ve already watched at least a couple of episodes of Abbott Elementary – after all, the show has broken records for viewers, with ratings quadrupling over the course of the first season.
But if you haven’t yet had a chance to watch Quinta Brunson’s excellent sitcom, this is the perfect time to give it a go. A workplace comedy set at a public elementary school in Philadelphia, its hilarious and relatable. The stellar writing and acting earned the show 7 nominations and 3 Emmy awards in 2022. That’s reason enough to watch – you need to be able to keep up with the water-cooler chatter about this show!
5. a smart, sexy rom-com: Bridgerton, Season 2.
With no word on when Season 3 will drop, we’re more than happy to re-watch Season 2 of Bridgerton (which was far better than Season 1, if you ask us). Gorgeous dresses, sassy dialogue, and a pet Corgi? We’re all in.
6. an italian love affair: Call Me By Your Name
This gorgeous and poignant Oscar-winning film was released in 2017. We saw it then, and we still remember it vividly now. Set in Italy in the 1980s, it’s the story of a doomed romance that blossoms between a seventeen-year-old student (Timothée Chalamet) and the older man hired as his father’s research assistant (Armie Hammer). Watch it on Amazon.
7. a bittersweet romance: In the Mood for Love
There’s never been a movie quite like In the Mood for Love, the masterpiece from Wong Kar-wai. Though it is perhaps, in some ways, an unconventional Valentine’s Day choice – for reasons that we will not say, in case you’re a first-time viewer – we would argue that the stunning shots and endless longing make it a worthy candidate.
The film tells the story of a man and woman (Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung) who are next door neighbors, and who discover that their spouses are having an affair. Available on HBO Max.
8. a teen romance: The Sky is Everywhere
The Sky is Everywhere was released in February 2022, and if you haven’t seen it, now’s a great time. It’s based on the beloved young adult novel by Jandy Nelson, which tells the story of a teen girl, grieving the loss of her sister, who falls into a relationship with her sister’s ex-boyfriend – at the same time as she’s seeing the new boy in town.
The film made several lists of the “best romances of 2022.” The adaptation is directed by Josephine Decker, and stars Grace Kaufman, Jason Segel, Cherry Jones, and Jacques Colimon. Catch it on Apple TV+.
9. a broadway show: Filmed Live Musical
If you’re looking to get as far away from the Super Bowl as possible, might we suggest… a musical? Filmed Live Musicals is an incredible database, offering links to every pro-shot of a live musical that exists on the Internet.
There will be ones you’ve never heard of, and ones that you didn’t even realize you were able to watch. Instead of the Super Bowl, why not check out Kinky Boots?
10. an Oscar-Nominated film (or two)
This year’s Oscar nominees have been announced, and you know what that means. Sunday, February 12th is as good a time as any to catch up on the films you haven’t seen while everyone else is watching the Super Bowl! No matter how hard we try to keep track throughout the year, there are always a few we miss – as well as a few surprises. Instead of watching the Super Bowl, use the time to prepare for the year’s other major television event. Check out Variety’s viewing guide here.
here’s what to watch instead of the 2023 super bowl on Sunday
There you have it! A wide range of entertainment programming options on TV and streaming services that are totally football free on Super Bowl Sunday. Who cares what most Americans are watching? You do you, dear reader – and have a great day!
