1986 in American television
See also: 1985 in television, other events of 1986, 1987 in television and the list of 'years in television'.
Events
- January 28 - NASA's Space Shuttle Challenger spacecraft explodes, live on television.
- May 22 - Cher calls David Letterman an "A**hole" on the air during a taping of Late Night with David Letterman.
- September 8 - A.M. Chicago changes its name to the Oprah Winfrey Show and premieres on national television
- October – The FOX Broadcasting Company becomes the United States' fourth commercial broadcast television network.
Hit Television Shows
- The Cosby Show (1984-1992)
- Cheers (1982-1993)
- Family Ties (1982-1989)
- MTV (1981-present)
Other Popular Television Shows
- The A-Team (1983-1987)
- Dallas (1978-1991)
- Dr Who (1963-1989)
- Hill Street Blues (1981-1987)
- Jeopardy! (1984-present)
- Late Night with David Letterman (1982-1993)
- Miami Vice (1984-1989)
- Saturday Night Live (1975-present)
- Sesame Street (1969-present)
- The Tonight Show (1954-present)
- Wheel of Fortune (1975-present)
Births
Deaths
- January 14 - Donna Reed, actress