1986–87 United States network television schedule
Although Fox debuted as a fourth network effort in October 1986, the network waited until April 1987 to commence offering prime time programming, effectively deferring its first Fall programming season until September 1987.PBS, the Public Broadcasting Service, was in operation but the schedule was set by each local station.Each of the 30 highest-rated shows is listed with its rank and rating as determined by Nielsen Media Research.+ Animal Crack-Ups had a short run in prime time before moving to Saturday mornings in the fall of 1987.+ This was a revival of the 1984–1985 series following star Stacy Keach's release from prison on drug charges.