1996–97 United States network television schedule (late night)

These are the late night schedules for the four United States broadcast networks that offer programming during this time period, from September 1996 to August 1997. All times are Eastern or Pacific. Affiliates will fill non-network schedule with local, syndicated, or paid programming. Affiliates also have the option to preempt or delay network programming at their discretion.

Legend
Light blue indicates Local programming.

Gray indicates encore programming.

Yellow indicates late night talk or variety shows.

Gold indicates network news programming.

ABC
Returning series
 * ABC in Concert
 * ABC World News Now
 * ABC World News This Morning
 * Nightline

New series
 * Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher (moved from Comedy Central)

CBS
Returning series
 * CBS Morning News
 * Late Night with David Letterman
 * The Late Late Show with Tom Snyder
 * Up to the Minute

Fox
Returning series
 * MADtv

Not returning from 1995-96:
 * Saturday Night Special

NBC
Returning series
 * Friday Night
 * Late Night with Conan O'Brien
 * Later
 * NBC News at Sunrise
 * NBC Nightside
 * Saturday Night Live
 * The Tonight Show with Jay Leno