The demographic universe estimates for the 1979-1980 television season as defined and published by Nielsen Media Research.
| Demographic | Population | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Households | 76,300,000 | |
| Persons 2+ | 206,330,000 | |
| Persons 2-11 | 31,330,000 | 15.2% |
| Persons 6-11 | 19,880,000 | 9.64% |
| Persons 12-17 | 22,760,000 | 11.0% |
| Persons 18+ | 152,240,000 | 73.8% |
| Persons 18-34 | 61,760,000 | 29.9% |
| Persons 18-49 | 97,370,000 | 47.2% |
| Persons 25-54 | 81,450,000 | 39.5% |
| Persons 35+ | 90,480,000 | 43.9% |
| Persons 50+ | 54,370,000 | 26.4% |
| Persons 50-54 | 10,930,000 | 5.30% |
| Persons 55+ | 43,440,000 | 21.1% |
| Persons 55-64 | 20,590,000 | 9.98% |
| Males 12-17 | 11,580,000 | 5.61% |
| Males 18+ | 72,090,000 | 34.9% |
| Males 18-34 | 30,200,000 | 14.6% |
| Males 18-49 | 47,470,000 | 23.0% |
| Males 25-54 | 39,620,000 | 19.2% |
| Males 55+ | 19,120,000 | 9.27% |
| Males 55-64 | 9,710,000 | 4.71% |
| Females 12-17 | 11,180,000 | 5.42% |
| Females 18+ | 80,150,000 | 38.9% |
| Females 18-34 | 31,560,000 | 15.3% |
| Females 18-49 | 49,900,000 | 24.2% |
| Females 25-54 | 41,830,000 | 20.3% |
| Females 55+ | 24,320,000 | 11.8% |
| Females 55-64 | 10,880,000 | 5.27% |