With a rematch against Donald Trump looming in eight months, President Joe Biden will address the nation Tuesday evening in the annual State of the Union address.
Expect this year’s speech to be as much a campaign event as it is a look at where things stand. Biden is widely expected to talk about his agenda should he be elected to a second term, including plans to revamp the tax code, reduce the deficit and expand the housing supply. Other topics you can expect to hear about are the opposition of some Republicans to continue offering support to Ukraine and proposed tax cuts for the wealthy.
This year’s state of the union is also a chance for Biden to calm fears, among voters and within his own party, about his age and physical health, an issue that has loomed large in the campaign so far.
Here’s what you need to know about tonight’s speech.
When does the 2024 State of the Union address air?
Biden is scheduled to begin his address shortly after 9 p.m. ET. Expect the speech to last a little over an hour.
Where can I watch the 2024 State of the Union?
The address will be widely covered by all major broadcast networks and cable news channels, each airing it live and having a plethora of analysis after (and, in some cases, before) the speech. Networks won’t begin their coverage until 9:00 p.m. ET, but several cable channels will begin focused coverage hours earlier.
How can I watch the State of the Union for free if I don’t have cable?
The 2024 joint address to Congress will be broadcast by ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS and Fox—meaning you’re almost certainly going to be able to find at least one channel airing it with a strong signal over the air via a high-definition antenna. Be sure to test it in multiple locations in your home to find the most reliable signal.
Can I stream the State of the Union live online?
Absolutely. And there are plenty of options.
ABC
ABCNews.com will carry the address. The ABC News Facebook page and ABC News Live will also carry the address.
CBS
CBS N ews Live, the network’s online streaming news service, is another option. You can also watch on the CBS News Facebook page. And the CBS News livestream on YouTube will carry the address as well.
FOX
You can either log into Fox.com to watch the address or use the Fox Now app.
NBC
Free options include NBCNews.com, MSNBC.com, and the NBC News app, which will all simulcast the address. You can also watch it live on the Facebook page of NBC News.
PBS
The PBS Newshour livestream on YouTube will carry the address.
CNN
Video coverage will stream on the CNN.com homepage and can be watched on the CNNGo streaming service. (You’ll need to log in with your cable or satellite subscription for that service, though.)
MSNBC
Watch the address on the networks’ Website. (Sign-in required.)
Fox News
Live coverage will begin at FoxNews.com at 9:00 p.m. ET, but you’ll need to sign-in first.
C-Span
The network will broadcast the address live on its Website and take calls from viewers following the speech.
White House
The website of the president’s residence and workplace will air a livestream on its official website.
Beyond the networks, the major streaming services will also offer several viewing opportunities.
Peacock
NBC’s streaming service will give you access to the speech. You can get a seven-day free trial, followed by a $6 or $12 monthly charge. (The free version of Peacock does not include live programming.)
Disney+
Disney’s bundle of Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ no longer has a free trial, so you’ll have to pay $15 per month for all three combined (or $25 per month for no ads on Hulu).
Including Live TV in the bundle bumps the price to $77 per month ($90 with no ads).
Hulu with Live TV
The free trial on this service is no longer offered, as well. It will now cost you $77 per month.
YouTubeTV
After up to a two-week trial, you can expect monthly charges of $73.
Sling TV
Dish Network’s Sling lower-tiered “Orange” plan will run you $40 per month. Adding the more comprehensive “Blue” plan bumps the cost to $55 per month. The seven-day free trial has disappeared, but the cord-cutting service is offering 50% off of the first month’s bill.
DirecTV Stream
Formerly known as DirecTV Now, AT&T TVNow and AT&T TV, this oft-renamed streaming service will run you $75 per month and up after the free trial option.
Fubo TV
This sports-focused cord-cutting service carries broadcast networks in most markets. There’s a seven-day free trial, followed by monthly charges of $75 and up, depending on the channels you choose.
Paramount+
CBS’ streaming service will give you access to the State of the Union. You can get a one-week free trial, followed by a $5 or $10 monthly charge.
Who is giving the Republican response to the 2024 State of the Union?
Senator Katie Britt (R, Ala.) Will deliver the Republican response following Biden’s address. The rising star in the party is part of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s (R-Ky.) Leadership team and sits on the Appropriations Committee.