These are the late night schedules for the four United States broadcast networks that offer programming during this time period, from September 1988 to August 1989. 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.
| Network | 11:00 pm | 11:30 pm | 12:00 am | 12:30 am | 1:00 am | 1:30/1:35 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 Programming | Nightline | Local Programming | ||||||||||||
| CBS | Fall | Local Programming | CBS Late Night | Local Programming | CBS News Nightwatch | ||||||||||
| Winter | The Pat Sajak Show | Local Programming | |||||||||||||
| NBC | Local Programming | The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson | Late Night with David Letterman | Later With Bob Costas (Mon-Thu, 1:35) Friday Night Videos (Fri, 1:30-2:30) | Local Programming | ||||||||||
| Network | 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 | ||||||||||||
| FOX | August | Comic Strip Live | Local Programming | ||||||||||||
Returning Series
Returning Series
New Series
Not Returning From 1987-88
New Series
Not Returning From 1987-88
Returning Series
New Series