1971–72 United States network television schedule (late night)

These are the late night schedules on all three networks for each calendar season beginning September 1971. All times are Eastern/Pacific.

Talk/Variety shows are highlighted in yellow, Local News & Programs are highlighted in white.

Monday-Friday

-		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
ABC		Local programming	The Dick Cavett Show			Local programming or sign-off
CBS	Fall	local programming	The Merv Griffin Show			Local programming or sign-off
	February		The CBS Late Movie (from 2/14)				Local programming or sign-off
NBC		local programming	The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson			local programming or sign-off

Saturday/Sunday

-	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	The Weekend Tonight Show			local programming or sign-off

By network

ABC

Returning Series

• The Dick Cavett Show

CBS

Returning Series

• The Merv Griffin Show

New Series

• The CBS Late Movie

NBC

Returning Series

• The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
• The Weekend Tonight Show