1986–87 United States network television schedule


This was the United States television schedule on all three commercial television networks for the fall season beginning in September 1986. All times are Eastern and Pacific, with certain exceptions, such as Monday Night Football.
Although FOX debuted as a channel in fall 1986, its first fall season was not until 1987.
PBS, the Public Broadcasting Service, was in operation but the schedule was set by each local station.
New series are highlighted in bold.
All times given are in U.S. Eastern Time and Pacific Time. Subtract one hour for Central and Mountain times.
Each of the 30 highest-rated shows is listed with its rank and rating as determined by Nielsen Media Research.

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

By network

ABC">American Broadcasting Company">ABC

Returning Series
New Series
  • Animal Crack-Ups * +
  • The Charmings *
  • Dads *
  • The Ellen Burstyn Show
  • Gung Ho *
  • Harry *
  • Head of the Class
  • Heart of the City
  • Jack and Mike
  • Life with Lucy
  • Mariah
  • Max Headroom *
  • Ohara *
  • Our World
  • Sidekicks
  • Sledge Hammer!
  • Starman
Not Returning From 1985-86'
+ Animal Crack-Ups had a short run in prime time before moving to Saturday mornings in the fall of 1987.

[CBS]

Returning Series
New Series
Not Returning From 1985-86
+ This was a revival of the 1984-1985 series following star Stacy Keach's release from prison on drug charges.

Fox">Fox Broadcasting Company">Fox

New Series
Returning Series
New Series
Not Returning From 1985-86
Note: The * indicates that the program was introduced in midseason. An ^ indicates a show that continued in first-run syndication after the network cancelled it.