Overview
The 2011–12 United States network television schedule outlines the season-long prime-time lineups used by the major broadcast networks. It captures which series and program types occupied evening slots, how networks paced premieres and midseason replacements, and how advertisers and affiliates planned around flagship hours. For an official overview and historical listings consult the 2011–12 schedule overview.
Structure and characteristics
Major networks arranged programming in recurring blocks across weekdays and weekends. Prime time generally spanned the evening hours and featured a mix of dramas, comedies, reality series, newsmagazines and sports. Networks balanced returning series with new pilots and reserved specific slots for midseason introductions to respond to ratings or production delays.
Typical elements
- Anchor shows: long-running series used to stabilize a night.
- New series: pilots launched in fall or as midseason entries.
- Specials and sports: live events that could pre-empt regular scheduling.
- Local and syndicated programming: filler before and after prime time.
Notable trends and importance
The 2011–12 season reflected industry shifts such as growing DVR and streaming viewing, increasing reliance on unscripted formats for cost control, and strategic scheduling around live sports and awards. The season served as an important planning reference for advertisers, affiliates and audiences tracking renewals and cancellations. For detailed nightly lineups and episode listings see the detailed listings.
How to read a season schedule
Read across nights to see a network's strategy (lead-in shows, counterprogramming), and note midseason labels indicating later premieres. Schedules are tools for historical comparison and help explain why certain series succeeded or failed during a particular broadcast year.