The demographic universe estimates for the 1985-1986 television season as defined and published by Nielsen Media Research.
| Demographic | Population | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Households | 85,900,000 | |
| Persons 2+ | 224,440,000 | |
| Persons 2-11 | 33,400,000 | 14.9% |
| Persons 6-11 | 19,770,000 | 8.81% |
| Persons 12-17 | 20,680,000 | 9.21% |
| Persons 18+ | 170,360,000 | 75.9% |
| Persons 18-34 | 67,300,000 | 30.0% |
| Persons 18-49 | 111,350,000 | 49.6% |
| Persons 25-54 | 95,460,000 | 42.5% |
| Persons 35+ | 103,060,000 | 45.9% |
| Persons 35-64 | 76,240,000 | 34.0% |
| Persons 50+ | 59,010,000 | 26.3% |
| Persons 50-54 | 10,800,000 | 4.81% |
| Persons 55+ | 48,210,000 | 21.5% |
| Males 12-17 | 10,520,000 | 4.69% |
| Males 18+ | 80,800,000 | 36.0% |
| Males 18-34 | 33,340,000 | 14.9% |
| Males 18-49 | 54,850,000 | 24.4% |
| Males 25-54 | 46,760,000 | 20.8% |
| Males 35-64 | 36,660,000 | 16.3% |
| Males 55+ | 20,760,000 | 9.25% |
| Females 12-17 | 10,160,000 | 4.53% |
| Females 18+ | 89,560,000 | 39.9% |
| Females 18-34 | 33,960,000 | 15.1% |
| Females 18-49 | 56,500,000 | 25.2% |
| Females 25-54 | 48,700,000 | 21.7% |
| Females 35-64 | 39,580,000 | 17.6% |
| Females 55+ | 27,450,000 | 12.2% |