1980–81 United States network television schedule


This was the television schedule for the three United States commercial television networks, for the fall season beginning in September 1980. All times are Eastern and Pacific, with certain exceptions, such as Monday Night Football.
New series are highlighted in bold.
Each of the 30 highest-rated shows is listed with its rank and rating as determined by Nielsen Media Research.
PBS is not included; member stations have local flexibility over most of their schedules and broadcast times for network shows may vary.
''Note: An actors' strike hindered the ability to start airing shows in a timely manner. The shows in the schedule were the first to air new episodes in their respective time periods as they bowed in between late August and December 31, 1980. Some of the new shows intended for a fall launch did not debut until 1982 or 1983, if at all.

Sunday

Note: On ABC, local and paid political programming aired in the 8-9 p.m. hour from September till November.

Monday

Note: Private Benjamin premiered April 6, 1981, at 8:00-8:30 pm on CBS.

Tuesday

Note: On CBS, local and paid political programming aired in the 8-9 p.m. hour between September and November. On NBC, NBC Tuesday Night at the Movies aired 8-10 p.m. from September till November.

Wednesday

Note: The Greatest American Hero Debuts on March 18, 1981, at 8:00pm on ABC
Note: NBC's Movie of the Week aired 9-11 p.m. between September and November.
Note: The Facts of Life Season 2 begins Wednesday, November 19, 1980, at 9:30 on NBC.

Thursday

Note: CBS Thursday Movie Special aired 9-11 p.m. from September till the end of November. Magnum, P.I. had a 2-hour premiere on December 11, 1980.

Friday

Note: NBC Friday Night at the Movies aired 8-10 p.m. through October and November.

Saturday

Note: The CBS Saturday Night Movies aired 9-11 p.m. through the end of November.

By network

ABC">American Broadcasting Company">ABC

Returning Series
New Series
Not Returning From 1979-80
Returning Series
New Series
Not Returning From 1979-80
Returning Series
New Series
Not Returning From 1979-80