Friday night television used to be a graveyard. Not anymore. Honestly, if you're looking at the television lineup for today, Friday, January 16, 2026, you've got a weirdly packed schedule that feels more like a mid-week peak than a weekend wind-down. Between huge Netflix movie drops and long-running series finally pulling the plug, there is zero excuse for scrolling aimlessly.
The big story tonight? Tommy Egan.
After years of dodging bullets and building an empire from the ground up, Power Book IV: Force is finally ending on Starz. It’s the series finale. Fans are already losing their minds on social media about whether Tommy actually makes it out alive or if he's going down in a hail of gunfire like so many before him. The streets of Chicago have been a character of their own in this show, and tonight, that story closes for good.
Tonight’s Prime Time Heavy Hitters
If you're sticking to the major networks, things are a bit more lighthearted, at least initially. NBC is leaning hard into its comedy block.
- Happy’s Place (8:00 PM ET): Bobbie is back at it. Tonight, she’s basically tricking Steve into an audition for a local commercial. It’s that classic sitcom trope where the "help" ends up becoming the star, or in this case, Bobbie accidentally signs herself up to be his scene partner. Expect the usual chaos.
- Stumble (8:30 PM ET): This one is fresh off a short break. It’s been a sleeper hit this season, mostly because it doesn't try too hard to be "prestige."
- Dateline NBC (9:00 PM ET): If you aren't watching Lester Holt tell you a chilling story about a small town with a dark secret on a Friday night, are you even living? This is the comfort food of true crime.
Over on ABC, they are sticking to the classics. 20/20 is taking up the 9:00 PM slot, likely going head-to-head with Dateline for the true-crime crown. Meanwhile, if you’re into the CW, Masters of Illusion is still doing its thing at 8:00 PM. It’s magic. It’s slightly cheesy. It’s perfect background noise while you’re ordering pizza.
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The Streaming Wars: Affleck, Damon, and the "Rip"
Streaming is where the real money is being spent today. Netflix just dropped The Rip.
This isn't just another throwaway thriller. It stars Ben Affleck and Matt Damon as Miami cops. They find millions of dollars in a stash house. They have to count it. Then they have to decide if they're actually going to report it. Directed by Joe Carnahan, it’s got that gritty, sweaty Miami vibe that feels like a throwback to 90s action movies.
Hulu is playing a different game tonight. They’ve got Twinless, starring Dylan O’Brien. It’s a bit of a tonal shift—a young man joins a support group for "twinless twins" after losing his brother. It’s dark, it’s emotional, and it’s getting a lot of buzz for O'Brien's performance.
And don't sleep on Peacock. They just added Black Phone 2. Ethan Hawke is back, or at least his spirit is. If you want to be genuinely creeped out before bed, this is the one. The "Grabber" is still haunting the phone lines, and let’s be real, nobody answers their phone anymore anyway, but this makes it even scarier.
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Sports and Reality: What Most People Get Wrong
People think Friday is just for movies, but the television lineup for today is actually dominated by live sports if you know where to look.
- NBA Action: The Cleveland Cavaliers are taking on the Philadelphia 76ers at 7:00 PM on ESPN. This is a massive Eastern Conference matchup.
- College Hoops: FOX is airing Baylor vs. Kansas at 8:00 PM. In the world of NCAA basketball, this is as big as it gets for a regular-season Friday.
- NHL: If you're into hockey, the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers had an early start, but the Boston Bruins vs. Chicago Blackhawks game at 8:00 PM is the primetime slot to watch on NHL Network.
On the reality side, RuPaul’s Drag Race is still the queen of Friday nights over on MTV at 8:00 PM. It’s Season 18, and the drama in the workroom is already hitting a boiling point. Also, Gold Rush is digging deep on Discovery at 8:00 PM. Watching people stress about dirt and heavy machinery is strangely relaxing after a long work week.
Making the Most of the Lineup
Kinda feels like there’s too much to watch, right?
If you're a fan of the Power universe, you have to prioritize Starz tonight. That finale is going to be the only thing people talk about tomorrow. If you're looking for a "movie night" vibe, the Affleck/Damon reunion on Netflix is the obvious choice.
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But honestly, the best move might be a double feature: start with the laughs on NBC, then switch over to the gritty Miami streets of The Rip.
Actionable Insights for Tonight:
- Check your local listings: Times can shift, especially with live sports on ESPN and FOX.
- Clear your DVR: If you’re planning to watch the Power finale live, make sure you aren't recording three other things at the same time.
- Update your apps: If you're streaming The Rip or Black Phone 2, make sure your Netflix and Peacock apps are updated to avoid that annoying "buffering" circle right at the climax of the movie.
- Follow the hashtags: If you watch Drag Race or Power, stay off Twitter (X) if you aren't watching live—spoilers will be everywhere within seconds.
The television lineup for today is proof that the "traditional" TV schedule isn't dead; it just lives alongside the giants of streaming now. Pick your lane and enjoy the show.