These are the late night schedules on all four networks beginning September 1986. All times are Eastern/Pacific.

PBS is not included, as member television stations have local flexibility over most of their schedules and broadcast times for network shows may vary, CBS, ABC and Fox are not included on the weekend schedules (as the networks do not offer late night programs of any kind on weekends).

Talk/variety shows are highlighted in yellow, network news programs in gold, and local news & programs are highlighted in white background.

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 programmingABC News NightlineThe Dick Cavett Show (Tue.-Wed.)/Jimmy Breslin's People (Thur.-Fri.)Local or sign offWinterLocal or sign offJuneMonday Sportsnite (Mon.)Local or sign offCBSFalllocal programmingCBS Late Nightlocal programming or sign offCBS News NightwatchWinterCBS Late Night (Mon.-Thur.)/Keep on Cruisin' (Fri., 11:30-12:40)SummerCBS Late Night (Mon.-Thur.)/In Person from the Palace (Fri., 11:30-12:40)NBCFalllocal programmingThe Tonight Show Starring Johnny CarsonLate Night with David Letterman (Mon.-Thur.)/Friday Night Videos to 2:00 (Fri)local programming or sign offSummerLate Night with David LettermanFriday Night Videos (Fri.)local programming or sign offFox (launched October 9, 1986)FallThe Late Show Starring Joan Rivers local programming or sign off MayThe Late Show

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 programmingSaturday Night Live local 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 programmingThe George Michael Sports Machinelocal programming or sign off

By network ABC

Returning Series Nightline

New Series The Dick Cavett Show Jimmy Breslin's People

Not Returning From 1985-86 Eye on Hollywood Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous

CBS

Returning Series CBS Late Night CBS News Nightwatch

New Series In Person from the Palace Keep on Cruisin'

Fox

New Series The Late Show

NBC

Returning Series Friday Night Videos The George Michael Sports Machine Late Night with David Letterman Saturday Night Live The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson