What to Watch on Wednesday: It's Inauguration Day for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris

We know TV has a lot to offer, be it network, cable, premium channels, or streaming platforms including Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and others. So EW is here to help, guiding you every single day to the things that should be on your radar. Check out our recommendations below, and listen/subscribe to our What to Watch podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts, or via your own voice-controlled smart-speaker (Alexa, Google Home).

Inauguration of Joe Biden

HOW/WHEN & WHERE TO WATCH: 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT on ABC/CBS/NBC/Additional platforms

It's been a long and tumultuous journey, but the day has finally arrived: Joe Biden will officially become the 46th President of the United States at noon on Wednesday, with Kamala Harris becoming the first female vice president and first Black and South Asian vice president in American history. This will be an inauguration like no other, taking place in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the violence at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 by a mob protesting Biden's electoral victory. (The swearing-in ceremony will still take place on the Capitol's steps, as is tradition, with extra security measures in place.) But there will still be some festivities: Lady Gaga will sing the national anthem at the ceremony, which will also feature performances by Jennifer Lopez and Garth Brooks. And tune back in at 8:30 p.m. for the star-studded inauguration special Celebrating America, hosted by America's dad himself, Tom Hanks. —Tyler Aquilina

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Riverdale

HOW/WHEN & WHERE TO WATCH: 8 p.m. on The CW

Season Premiere
Riverdale's fifth season sees the continuation of the Auteur mystery, as everyone in town continues to get mysterious video tapes sent to their homes. But more importantly, Archie and the gang will get to experience senior prom and graduation before saying goodbye to high school (and college) when the show jumps seven years into the future. —Samantha Highfill

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The Masked Dancer

HOW/WHEN & WHERE TO WATCH: 8 p.m. on Fox

Hammerhead, Tulip, Cricket, and Exotic Bird from Group A return for a shot at joining Zebra, Cotton Candy, and Sloth in the Super Six. Rob Lowe also serves as a guest panelist. Ken Jeong, whose correct Bill Nye guess has helped him turn around his reputation as the worst guesser on Masked Singer, might be onto something again. Lots of fans are predicting Hammerhead is SNL's Mikey Day or Vinny from Jersey Shore but Jeong's inspired guess in the sneak peek clip is… Ryan Seacrest? Tune in on Wednesday to find out if he's right on the money or comically wrong. —Rachel Yang

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The Real Housewives of Orange County

HOW/WHEN & WHERE TO WATCH: 9 p.m. on Bravo

After a shorter and stranger season than normal — all because of the pandemic — the 'Wives of this Bravo franchise's OG location reunite after the conclusion of its 15th season. On the agenda: Shannon's comments (or lack thereof) about the size of Gina's new home, as well as her involvement (or lack thereof) in telling Braunwyn to investigate her housewife Elizabeth; Kelly's controversial comments about the pandemic; Emily and her husband Shane's personal experience which COVID-19, which landed him in the hospital for days; and accusations between Shannon and Braunwyn. Raise your glass — except you, Braunwyn (huge congrats on your sobriety!) — to drama! —Gerrad Hall

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• The Week in ‘Wives: RHOA in white, RHOSLC post-fight, RHOD in a closet, and RHOC out of one

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What ELSE to Watch

Check local listings

Nature: The Alps (part two) — PBS

8 p.m.

The Challenge: Double Agents — MTV

ABC News Special: The Inauguration of Joseph R. Biden Jr. — ABC

One Nation: Indivisible (CBS News special) — CBS

NBC News Special: The Inauguration of Joseph R. Biden Jr. — NBC

8:30 p.m.

Celebrating America (special) — ABC/CBS/NBC

9 p.m.

Nancy Drew (season premiere) — The CW

10 p.m.

The Conners (special time) — ABC

The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City — Bravo

10:30 p.m.

Call Your Mother (special time) — ABC

*times are ET and subject to change