These are the late-night schedules for the three television networks during the 1972–73 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 AMABCFallLocal programming The Dick Cavett ShowLocal programming or sign-offWinterABC's Wide World of EntertainmentCBSlocal programmingThe CBS Late MovieLocal programming or sign-offNBCFalllocal programmingThe Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carsonlocal programming or sign-offFebruary The Midnight Special (Fri)local 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
New Series ABC's Wide World of Entertainment
CBS
Returning Series The CBS Late Movie
Not returning from 1971-72 The Merv Griffin Show
NBC
Returning Series The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson The Weekend Tonight Show
New Series The Midnight Special