These are the late-night schedules for the three television networks during the 1971–72 season. All times are Eastern and Pacific.
PBS 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 those 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-offCBSFalllocal programmingThe Merv Griffin ShowLocal programming or sign-offFebruaryThe CBS Late Movie (from 2/14)Local programming or sign-offNBClocal programmingThe 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 programmingThe Weekend Tonight Showlocal programming or sign-off
By network ABC
Returning Series The Dick Cavett Show
CBS
Returning Series The Merv Griffin Show
New Series The CBS Late Movie
NBC
Returning Series The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson The Weekend Tonight Show