1985–86 United States network television schedule (late night) explained

These are the late night schedules on all three networks for each calendar season beginning September 1985. All times are Eastern/Pacific.

Talk/variety shows are highlighted in

yellow, network news programs in gold, and local news & programs are highlighted in white background.

Monday-Friday

bgcolor="#C0C0C0" colspan=2-11:00 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 AM
ABCFalllocal programmingABC News NightlineEye on Hollywood (Tue.-Fri.)Local
WinterEye on Hollywood
SummerLifestyles of the Rich and Famous
CBSFalllocal programmingCBS Late Night / T.J. Hooker (Wed. 11:30-12:30)local programmingCBS News Nightwatch
SummerCBS Late Night
NBClocal programmingThe Tonight Show Starring Johnny CarsonLate Night with David Letterman (Mon.-Thur.)/Friday Night Videos to 2:00 (2:30 in the Spring; Fri)local programming

Saturday

bgcolor="#C0C0C0"-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 AM
NBClocal programminglocal programming

Sunday

bgcolor="#C0C0C0"-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 AM
NBClocal programmingThe George Michael Sports Machinelocal programming

By network

ABC

Returning Series

New Series

Not Returning From 1984-85

CBS

Returning Series

NBC

Returning Series