This was the television schedule on all three networks, with certain exceptions, such as Monday Night Football.
The highest-rated show for the year is colored in lime.
Note: An actors' strike hindered the ability to start airing shows in a timely manner. The shows in the tables were the first to air new episodes in their respective slots. Some of the new shows debuted as late as January 1981.
PBS, the Public Broadcasting Service, was in operation but the schedule was set by each local station.
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
