These are the late-night schedules for the three U.S. television networks during the 1979–80 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. 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 AMABCFallLocalABC Late NightLocal or sign offNovemberThe Iran Crisis: America Held HostageABC Late NightLocal or sign offSpringNightline* (Mon.-Thur.)ABC Late Night (Mon.-Thur.)/Fridays (Fri, 11:30-12:40)CBSlocal programmingThe CBS Late MovieLocal 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 formerly The Iran Crisis: America Held Hostage
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 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
New Series Fridays The Iran Crisis: America Held Hostage
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