The demographic universe estimates for the 1986-1987 television season as defined and published by Nielsen Media Research.
| Demographic | Population | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Households | 87,400,000 | |
| Persons 2+ | 227,070,000 | |
| Persons 2-11 | 34,010,000 | 15.0% |
| Persons 6-11 | 19,820,000 | 8.73% |
| Persons 12-17 | 20,250,000 | 8.92% |
| Persons 18+ | 172,810,000 | 76.1% |
| Persons 18-34 | 67,430,000 | 29.7% |
| Persons 18-49 | 113,180,000 | 49.8% |
| Persons 25-54 | 97,650,000 | 43.0% |
| Persons 35+ | 105,380,000 | 46.4% |
| Persons 35-64 | 78,030,000 | 34.4% |
| Persons 50+ | 59,630,000 | 26.3% |
| Persons 50-54 | 10,740,000 | 4.73% |
| Persons 55+ | 48,890,000 | 21.5% |
| Males 12-17 | 10,300,000 | 4.54% |
| Males 18+ | 81,980,000 | 36.1% |
| Males 18-34 | 33,460,000 | 14.7% |
| Males 18-49 | 55,800,000 | 24.6% |
| Males 25-54 | 47,900,000 | 21.1% |
| Males 35-64 | 37,550,000 | 16.5% |
| Males 55+ | 21,000,000 | 9.25% |
| Females 12-17 | 9,950,000 | 4.38% |
| Females 18+ | 90,830,000 | 40.0% |
| Females 18-34 | 33,970,000 | 15.0% |
| Females 18-49 | 57,380,000 | 25.3% |
| Females 25-54 | 49,750,000 | 21.9% |
| Females 35-64 | 40,480,000 | 17.8% |
| Females 55+ | 27,890,000 | 12.3% |