The demographic universe estimates for the 1977-1978 television season as defined and published by Nielsen Media Research.
| Demographic | Population | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Households | 72,900,000 | |
| Persons 2+ | 203,990,000 | |
| Persons 2-11 | 33,330,000 | 16.3% |
| Persons 6-11 | 20,950,000 | 10.3% |
| Persons 12-17 | 24,380,000 | 12.0% |
| Persons 18+ | 146,280,000 | 71.7% |
| Persons 18-34 | 58,750,000 | 28.8% |
| Persons 18-49 | 93,150,000 | 45.7% |
| Persons 25-54 | 78,080,000 | 38.3% |
| Persons 35+ | 87,530,000 | 42.9% |
| Persons 50+ | 53,130,000 | 26.1% |
| Persons 50-54 | 11,710,000 | 5.74% |
| Persons 55+ | 41,420,000 | 20.3% |
| Persons 55-64 | 19,850,000 | 9.73% |
| Males 12-17 | 12,370,000 | 6.06% |
| Males 18+ | 69,220,000 | 33.9% |
| Males 18-34 | 28,690,000 | 14.1% |
| Males 18-49 | 45,380,000 | 22.3% |
| Males 25-54 | 37,970,000 | 18.6% |
| Males 55+ | 18,230,000 | 8.94% |
| Males 55-64 | 9,350,000 | 4.58% |
| Females 12-17 | 12,010,000 | 5.89% |
| Females 18+ | 77,060,000 | 37.8% |
| Females 18-34 | 30,060,000 | 14.7% |
| Females 18-49 | 47,770,000 | 23.4% |
| Females 25-54 | 40,110,000 | 19.7% |
| Females 55+ | 23,190,000 | 11.4% |
| Females 55-64 | 10,500,000 | 5.15% |