The demographic universe estimates for the 1996-1997 television season as defined and published by Nielsen Media Research.
| Demographic | Population | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Households | 97,000,000 | |
| Persons 2+ | 251,300,000 | |
| Persons 2-11 | 38,890,000 | 15.5% |
| Persons 6-11 | 23,080,000 | 9.18% |
| Persons 12-17 | 21,850,000 | 8.69% |
| Persons 18+ | 190,560,000 | 75.8% |
| Persons 18-34 | 62,120,000 | 24.7% |
| Persons 18-49 | 123,150,000 | 49.0% |
| Persons 25-54 | 114,810,000 | 45.7% |
| Persons 35+ | 128,440,000 | 51.1% |
| Persons 35-64 | 97,040,000 | 38.6% |
| Persons 50+ | 67,410,000 | 26.8% |
| Persons 50-54 | 14,680,000 | 5.84% |
| Persons 55+ | 52,730,000 | 21.0% |
| Males 2-11 | 19,880,000 | 7.91% |
| Males 12-17 | 11,140,000 | 4.43% |
| Males 18-34 | 30,930,000 | 12.3% |
| Males 18-49 | 60,780,000 | 24.2% |
| Males 25-54 | 56,420,000 | 22.5% |
| Males 35-64 | 47,110,000 | 18.8% |
| Males 55+ | 23,150,000 | 9.21% |
| Females 2-11 | 19,010,000 | 7.56% |
| Females 12-17 | 10,710,000 | 4.26% |
| Females 18-34 | 31,190,000 | 12.4% |
| Females 18-49 | 62,370,000 | 24.8% |
| Females 25-54 | 58,390,000 | 23.2% |
| Females 35-64 | 49,930,000 | 19.9% |
| Females 55+ | 29,580,000 | 11.8% |