The 1986âÂÂ87 network television schedule for the three major English language commercial broadcast networks in the United States covers primetime hours from September 1986 through August 1987. The schedule is followed by a list per network of returning series, new series, and series cancelled after the 1985âÂÂ86 season.
Although Fox debuted as a fourth network effort in October 1986, the network waited until April 1987 to commence offering prime time programming, effectively deferring its first Fall programming season until September 1987.
PBS is not included, as member television stations have local flexibility over most of their schedule and broadcast times for network shows vary.
Each of the 30 highest-rated shows is listed with its rank and rating as determined by Nielsen Media Research.
Legend
Schedule
Sunday
Note:
- The "opening night" of the Fox network on April 5, 1987 featured the premieres of Married... with Children and The Tracey Ullman Show at 7:00 and 7:30 p.m. respectively, both shows being repeated twice. 21 Jump Street debuted on April 12 with two episodes airing back-to-back. Duet aired its first two episodes on April 19. Down and Out in Beverly Hills premiered on April 26, but was put on hiatus and eventually aired during the summer. Its slot was taken over by Mr. President, which premiered on May 3. Fox Night at the Movies aired on an irregular basis at 8 p.m. during the summer.
- Family Ties consisted of assorted repeats of previous seasons, with current reruns airing on the show's regular 8:30 p.m. Thursday night slot.
Monday
Tuesday
Note:
- Jack and Mike premiered with a 90-minute pilot on September 16 at 9 p.m.
Wednesday
Note:
- On CBS, Roxie and Take Five premiered on April 1, 1987 at 8 and 8:30 p.m. respectively, but were both cancelled after only two episodes.
Thursday
Note:
- Crime Story premiered with a two-hour pilot on September 18 at 9 p.m.
Friday
Saturday
Notes:
- The Fox network added its Saturday night line-up on July 11, 1987 with the two-hour premiere of Werewolf. The New Adventures of Beans Baxter and Karen's Song premiered on July 18 (the former with an hour-long episode), and Down and Out in Beverly Hills joined the line-up on July 25.
- Animal Crack-Ups was a "summer preview" of the Saturday morning series.
By network
Returning Series
New Series
Not returning from 1985âÂÂ86:
+ Animal Crack-Ups had a short run in prime time before moving to Saturday mornings in the fall of 1987.
Returning Series
New Series
Not returning from 1985âÂÂ86:
+ This was a revival of the 1984âÂÂ1985 series following star Stacy Keach's release from prison on drug charges.
New Series
Returning Series
New Series
Not returning from 1985âÂÂ86:
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.
See also
Notes
References