A new scripted show on BET reimagines the behind-the-scenes work that went into “Soul Train.” And after a dramatic buildup, President Trump delivers his second State of the Union address.

What’s on TV

AMERICAN SOUL 9 p.m. on BET. Set in 1970s Los Angeles against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, this new drama series chronicles the making of the first national program of its kind: “Soul Train,” a response to “American Bandstand” written, produced and owned by black people. Sinqua Walls (“Power”) portrays Don Cornelius, the creator and host of the show, alongside the actors Kelly Price and Jason Dirden. Among the guest stars are Wayne Brady, Bobby Brown and some former members of Destiny’s Child, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. “American Soul” debuts with two back-to-back episodes in which Don goes out of his way to secure a star performer who will take his project to the next level. In an interview with The New York Times, Rowland — who appeared on the show in 1998 — talked about her role as Gladys Knight and what the series meant to her growing up. “‘Soul Train’ was one of my first memories of watching all these different beautiful black people dancing and having a good time,” she said.