1996–97 United States network television schedule
The 1996–1997 United States network television schedule is for the United States broadcast television on all six commercial television networks for the fall season beginning in September 1996 and ending in August 1997. All times are Eastern and Pacific, with certain exceptions, such as "Monday Night Football". New series highlighted in bold. Each of the 30 highest-rated shows is listed with its rank and rating as determined by Nielsen Media Research. Other Legend PBS is not included; member stations have local flexibility over most of their schedules and broadcast times for network shows  may vary. Monday. Note: On CBS, the debut of Ink was delayed by a month due to production problems, resulting in another new sitcom, Pearl, which aired temporarily in its slot before moving to its own originally designated Wednesday time period in late October. Wednesday. Note: On CBS, due to the effect of the debut delay of Ink on Monday, the first month of the new season on this night aired "Almost Perfect" at 8:30 p.m., followed by "CBS Wednesday Movies" at 9 p.m. The originally planned fall Wednesday lineup took shape at the end of October with Pearl taking  over at 8:30 p.m., "Almost Perfect" moving to 9 p.m., Public Morals debuting at 9:30 p.m., and EZ Streets debuting at 10 p.m. This lasted for only one week in late October. CBS cancelled Public Morals after it aired the 1st, and only, episode. This meant Almost Perfect would soon be cancelled. EZ Streets would be given a 2nd chance in the spring. Saturday. Note: "America's Most Wanted" would debut in November at 9:00 on Fox. Married... with Children moved to Sundays at 7-8pm in November, Mondays at 9:30 in January, and Mondays at 9pm in February . Lawless was canceled after one episode.