1980–81 United States network television schedule

This was the television schedule for the three United States commercial television networks, for the fall season beginning in September 1980. All times are Eastern and Pacific, with certain exceptions, such as Monday Night Football.

New series are highlighted in bold.

Each of the 30 highest-rated shows is listed with its rank and rating as determined by Nielsen Media Research.

PBS, the Public Broadcasting Service, was in operation but the schedule was set by each local station.

Note: An actors' strike hindered the ability to start airing shows in a timely manner. The shows in the schedule were the first to air new episodes in their respective time periods as they bowed in between late August and December 31, 1980. Some of the new shows intended for a fall launch did not debut until 1982 or 1983, if at all.

Note: On ABC, local and paid political programming aired in the 8-9 p.m. hour from September till November.

Note: Private Benjamin premiered April 6, 1981, at 8:00-8:30 pm on CBS.

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Note: On CBS, local and paid political programming aired in the 8-9 p.m. hour between September and November. On NBC, NBC Tuesday Night at the Movies aired 8-10 p.m. from September till November.

Note: The Greatest American Hero Debuts on March 18, 1981, at 8:00pm on ABC

Note: NBC's Movie of the Week aired 9-11 p.m. between September and November.

Note: The Facts of Life Season 2 begins Friday, October 10, 1980, at 8:30 on NBC.

Note: CBS Thursday Movie Special aired 9-11 p.m. from September till the end of November. Magnum, P.I. had a 2-hour premiere on December 11, 1980.

Note: NBC Friday Night at the Movies aired 8-10 p.m. through October and November.

Note: The CBS Saturday Night Movies aired 9-11 p.m. through the end of November.

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