1986–87 United States network television schedule

The 1986–87 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 1985–86 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.^[1]

• New series are highlighted in bold.
• All times are U.S. Eastern Time and Pacific Time (except for some live sports or events). Subtract one hour for Central, Mountain, Alaska and Hawaii–Aleutian times.

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. The full line-up debuted on April 12. 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.

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.

Notes:

• The Fox network added its Saturday night line-up on July 11, 1987.
• Animal Crack-Ups was a "summer preview" of the Saturday morning series.

+ Animal Crack-Ups had a short run in prime time before moving to Saturday mornings in the fall of 1987.

+ This was a revival of the 1984–1985 series following star Stacy Keach's release from prison on drug charges.

New Series

• 21 Jump Street
• Down and Out in Beverly Hills
• Duet
• Fox Night at the Movies
• Karen's Song
• Married... with Children
• Mr. President
• The New Adventures of Beans Baxter
• The Tracey Ullman Show
• Werewolf

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.

• 1986–87 United States network television schedule (daytime)
• 1986–87 United States network television schedule (late night)