1968–69 United States network television schedule (late night)

The 1968–69 United States network television schedule (late night) covers the programming blocks which major television networks (ABC, CBS, and NBC) typically aired during the late night hours, generally defined as after 11:00 PM Eastern Time. This era was marked by a relatively stable late night landscape, dominated by talk shows, variety shows, and reruns, as networks began to recognize the profitability of programming beyond the primetime hours.

Key features of late night programming during the 1968-69 season included:

• The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (NBC): Arguably the most influential late-night program, The Tonight Show continued its reign with Johnny Carson as host, featuring celebrity interviews, musical performances, and comedy sketches.

• The Joey Bishop Show (ABC): This talk show, hosted by Joey Bishop, attempted to compete with The Tonight Show but struggled to gain significant traction. It typically featured celebrity interviews and musical guests.

• CBS Late Night Movie (CBS): CBS focused on airing movies in the late night slot, providing a consistent option for viewers seeking cinematic entertainment.

• Reruns and Syndication: Networks and local stations filled late night hours with reruns of popular primetime shows and syndicated programming, often offering a cost-effective alternative to original productions.

The late-night television landscape of 1968–69 was less competitive than it is today, with fewer options for viewers. However, the seeds of the modern late-night talk show format were firmly planted during this era, largely thanks to the success of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.