These are the late-night schedules for the three U.S. television networks during the 1977–78 season. All times are Eastern and Pacific.

PBS is not included, as member television stations had local flexibility with most of their schedules, and broadcast times for network shows might have varied. However, this was the first season of the half-hour PBS version of The Dick Cavett Show (PBS, early evenings and often at the beginning of late night, weeknights, October 10, 1977–October 8, 1982). ABC and CBS are not included on the weekend schedules because those networks did not offer late-night programming 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 AMABCLocalABC Late NightLocal programming or sign-offCBSlocal programmingThe CBS Late MovieLocal programming or sign-offNBClocal programmingThe Tonight Show Starring Johnny CarsonThe Tomorrow Show (to 2:00; Mon.-Thur.)/The Midnight Special (Fri)local programming or sign-off

Saturday -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 programmingWeekend / Saturday Night Livelocal programming or sign-off

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 programmingNBC Late Night Movielocal programming or sign-off

By network ABC

Returning Series ABC Late Night

CBS

Returning Series The CBS Late Movie

NBC

Returning Series The Midnight Special NBC Late Night Movie Saturday Night Live The Tomorrow Show The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Weekend