1980–81 United States network television schedule (late night)

These are the late-night schedules for the three U.S. television networks during the 1980–81 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, network news programs in gold, and local news & programs are highlighted in white background.

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 Fall local programming ABC News Nightline (Mon.-Thur.) ABC Late Night (Mon.-Thur.)/Fridays (Fri, 11:30-12:40) Local
Spring ABC News Nightline ABC Late Night (Mon.-Thur.)/Fridays (Fri, 12:00-1:10)
CBS local programming The CBS Late Movie Local
NBC Fall local programming The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson The Tomorrow Show* (Mon.-Thur.)/The Midnight Special (Fri) local programming
May Tomorrow Coast to Coast (Mon.-Thur.)/SCTV Network 90 (Fri)

(*) renamed Tomorrow Coast to Coast in January

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 '80 local programming

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

By network

edit