These are the late-night schedules for the three television networks during the 1970–71 season. All times are Eastern and Pacific.
PBS (which launched on October 5, 1970) is not included, as member television stations had local flexibility over most of their schedules, and broadcast times for network shows might have varied. ABC and CBS are not included on the weekend schedules because the networks did not offer late-night programs of any kind on the weekend.
Talk/Variety shows are highlighted in yellow, Local News & Programs are highlighted in white.
Monday-Friday -11:00 PM11:30 PM12:00 AM12:30 AM1:00 AM1:30 AM2:00 AM2:30 AM3:00 AM3:30 AM4:00 AM4:30 AM5:00 AM5:30 AMABCLocal programmingThe Dick Cavett ShowLocal programming or sign-offCBSLocal programming The Merv Griffin ShowLocal programming or sign-offNBCLocal programming The Tonight Show Starring Johnny CarsonLocal programming or sign-off
Saturday/Sunday -11:00 PM11:30 PM12:00 AM12:30 AM1:00 AM1:30 AM2:00 AM2:30 AM3:00 AM3:30 AM4:00 AM4:30 AM5:00 AM5:30 AMNBCLocal programming The Weekend Tonight ShowLocal programming or sign-off
By network ABC
Returning Series The Dick Cavett Show
Not returning from 1969-70 The Joey Bishop Show
CBS
Returning Series The Merv Griffin Show
NBC
Returning Series The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson The Weekend Tonight Show