These are the late-night schedules for the three U.S. television networks during the 1978–79 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
edit| - | 11:00 PM | 11:30 PM | 12:00 AM | 12:30 AM | 1:00 AM | 1:30 AM | 2:00 AM | 2:30 AM | 3:00 AM | 3:30 AM | 4:00 AM | 4:30 AM | 5:00 AM | 5:30 AM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABC | Local | ABC Late Night | Local or sign off | ||||||||||||
| CBS | local programming | The CBS Late Movie | Local or sign off | ||||||||||||
| NBC | local programming | The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson | The Tomorrow Show (to 2:00; Mon.-Thru.)/The Midnight Special (Fri) | local programming or sign off | |||||||||||
Saturday
edit| - | 11:00 PM | 11:30 PM | 12:00 AM | 12:30 AM | 1:00 AM | 1:30 AM | 2:00 AM | 2:30 AM | 3:00 AM | 3:30 AM | 4:00 AM | 4:30 AM | 5:00 AM | 5:30 AM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NBC | local programming | Saturday Night Live | local programming or sign off | |||||||||||
Sunday
edit| - | 11:00 PM | 11:30 PM | 12:00 AM | 12:30 AM | 1:00 AM | 1:30 AM | 2:00 AM | 2:30 AM | 3:00 AM | 3:30 AM | 4:00 AM | 4:30 AM | 5:00 AM | 5:30 AM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NBC | local programming | NBC Late Night Movie | local programming or sign off | ||||||||||||
By network
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Returning Series
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Returning Series
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Returning Series |
Not returning from 1977-78
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