These are the late night schedules for the four United States broadcast networks that offer programming during this time period, from September 1987 to August 1988. All times are Eastern or Pacific. Affiliates will fill non-network schedule with local, syndicated, or paid programming. Affiliates also have the option to preempt or delay network programming at their discretion.
Legend
Schedule Monday-Friday Network11:00 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 Programming NightlineLocal Programming or sign-offCBSLocal Programming CBS Late Night (Mon.-Thru.)/Top of the Pops (Fri., 11:30-12:40)Local Programming CBS News NightwatchNBCLocal Programming The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Late Night with David Letterman Friday Night Videos (Fri)Local Programming or sign-offFOX Fall The Late ShowLocal Programming or sign-off Winter The Wilton North Report Mid-Winter The Late Show
Saturday Network11:00 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 Network11:00 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
Not Returning From 1986-87 The Dick Cavett Show Jimmy Breslin's People
CBS
Returning Series CBS Late Night CBS News Nightwatch
New Series Top of the Pops
Not Returning From 1986-87 In Person from the Palace Keep on Cruisin'
Fox
Returning Series The Late Show
New Series The Wilton North Report
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