2001–02 United States network television schedule

Television schedule for the fall of 2001 March 2025 2001 The 2001–02 network television schedule for the six major English language commercial broadcast networks in the United States covers the primetime hours from September 2001 to August 2002. The schedule is followed by a list per network of returning series, new series, and series canceled after the 2000–01 season. PBS is not included; member stations have local flexibility over most of their schedules and broadcasts times for network shows may vary. Also not included are stations affiliated with Pax TV, as its schedule is composed mainly of syndicated reruns although it also carried a limited schedule of first-run programs. Each of the 30 highest-rated shows released in May 2002 is listed with its rank and rating as determined by Nielsen Media Research.Highest-rated series is based on the annual top-rated programs list compiled by Nielsen Media Research and reported on TimBrooks.net/Ratings https://web.archive.org/web/20120621210328/http://www.timbrooks.net/ratings/ 2012-06-21 mdy-all From February 8 to 24, 2002, all of NBC's primetime programming was preempted in favor of coverage of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. Impact of the September 11 attacks List of entertainment affected by the September 11 attacks During the week of September 11, 2001, the major television networks aired continuous news coverage of the September 11 attacks. The news coverage preempted the networks' primetime schedules between September 11 and September 15, with regular programming resuming on September 16. As a result of the preemptions, the programs that were set to begin airing new seasons in mid-September had their premieres delayed until late September and early October. The Amazing Race was the first program to premiere in the 2001–02 season; the show's first season premiered on September 5, but had its second episode postponed from September 12 to September 19 due to the aforementioned news coverage. As a result of the scheduling oddities that were necessitated by the news coverage, the 2001–02 season was the second of four instances where the start of the season was delayed due to issues outside of the control of the major television networks; the other instances were the 1988–89 season (due to the 1988 Writers Guild of America strike), the 2020–21 season (due to a suspension of television productions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic), and the 2023–24 season (due to a series of strikes that affected both the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA). The next major disruption to the primetime television schedules of the major television networks would not occur until the 2007–08 season, which was affected by the 2007–08 Writers Guild of America strike. The 53rd Primetime Emmy Awards, which were planned for September 16, were initially postponed to October 7, but news coverage of the United States invasion of Afghanistan prompted the awards to be postponed for a second time; the awards would be eventually held on November 4. Legend #abbfff darkgray Light blue indicates local programming. #C0C0C0 darkgray Gray indicates encore programming. #6699CC darkgray Blue-gray indicates news programming. lightgreen darkgray Light green indicates sporting events. #FA8072 darkgray Red indicates series being burned off and other irregularly scheduled programs, including specials and movies. #CD7F32 darkgray Bronze indicates reruns of programming that originally aired on a cable channel. light white darkgray highlight yellow Yellow highlights indicates the top-10 most watched programs of the season. light white darkgray highlight cyan Cyan highlights indicates numbers 11-20 most watched programs of the season. light white darkgray highlight magenta Magenta highlights indicates numbers 21-30 most watched programs of the season. light white darkgray highlight black Highlights indicates that it falls in multiple of the above categories. Schedule New series to broadcast television are highlighted in bold. Repeat airings or same-day rebroadcasts are indicated by (R). All times are U.S. Eastern and Pacific Time (except for some live sports or events). Subtract one hour for Central, Mountain, Alaska, and Hawaii–Aleutian times. All sporting events air live in all time zones in U.S. Eastern time, with local and/or late-night programming scheduled by affiliates after game completion. Sunday Network7:00 p.m.7:30 p.m.8:00 p.m.8:30 p.m.9:00 p.m.9:30 p.m.10:00 p.m.10:30 p.m.ABCThe Wonderful World of DisneyAlias The Practice (23/8.3)(Tied with NYPD Blue)CBS Fall60 Minutes (13/10.1)The Education of Max BickfordCBS Sunday Movie SpringTouched by an Angel (R) SummerEverybody Loves Raymond (R)Becker (R)Fox FallFuturamaKing of the HillThe SimpsonsMalcolm in the MiddleThe X-FilesLocal programming SummerLooking for Love:Bachelorettes in Alaska Late summerKing of the Hill (R)Malcolm in the Middle (R)NBC Fall Dateline NBCThe Weakest Link Law & Order: Criminal Intent (27/7.9)(Tied with Fear Factor and Providence)UC: Undercover Winter SpringNBA on NBCVarious programming Late springDateline NBCLaw & Order: Crime & Punishment SummerVarious programmingThe WB FallRipley's Believe It or Not! (R)The Steve Harvey ShowMen, Women & Dogs Nikki Off CentreLocal programming Mid-fallOff Centre Nikki Late fallNikki Men, Women & Dogs WinterThe Steve Harvey Show (R) The Steve Harvey ShowThe Jamie Kennedy ExperimentFor Your Love Late winterNo BoundariesThe Jamie Kennedy Experiment (R) Spring Flix from the Frog The Jamie Kennedy Experiment Off Centre Late springAngel (R) SummerFor Your Love (R)Charmed (R) Mid-summerCharmed (R) NOTE: Fox aired 2 episodes of The Chamber in mid-January 2002. During the fall, Futurama and King of the Hill were preempted by overruns of NFL games. On The WB, Lost in the USA was supposed to air at 7–8, but it was cancelled due to 9/11 problems. Monday Network8:00 p.m.8:30 p.m.9:00 p.m.9:30 p.m.10:00 p.m.10:30 p.m.ABC FallWho Wants to Be a MillionaireNFL Monday ShowcaseMonday Night Football (7/11.5) WinterThe ABC Monday Night Movie SpringAmerica's Funniest Home Videos (R)The BachelorOnce and Again Mid-springThe ABC Monday Night Movie SummerSpecial programmingCBS FallThe King of Queens (19/8.9)Yes, Dear (20/8.8)(Tied with Crossing Jordan)Everybody Loves Raymond (4/12.8)Becker (11/10.7) Family Law (30/7.7)(Tied with 60 Minutes II) WinterYes, Dear (20/8.8)(Tied with Crossing Jordan)Baby Bob (25/8.1)(Tied with Dateline NBC) SpringThe King of Queens (19/8.9)Yes, Dear (20/8.8)(Tied with Crossing Jordan)48 HoursFox FallBoston PublicAlly McBealLocal programming WinterThe American Embassy SpringAlly McBeal SummerTitus Mid-summerBoston Public (R)NBC FallThe Weakest LinkDateline NBCCrossing Jordan (20/8.8)(Tied with Yes, Dear) Mid-fallThird Watch WinterFear Factor (27/7.9)(Tied with Law & Order: Criminal Intent and Providence) SpringDog Eat Dog SummerMeet My FolksUPN The Hughleys One on One The Parkers GirlfriendsLocal programmingThe WB7th HeavenAngel Note: ABC's The Runner was planned to launch after the end of the NFL season, but production was shut down post-9/11 because of new security, transportation, and budget complications for the coast-to-coast reality series. Tuesday Network8:00 p.m.8:30 p.m.9:00 p.m.9:30 p.m.10:00 p.m.10:30 p.m.ABC FallDharma & Greg What About Joan? Bob Patterson Spin CityPhilly Mid-fall Spin CityNYPD Blue (23/8.3)(Tied with The Practice) WinterThe Chair Late winterDharma & GregSpin City SpringThe Court Mid-springSpecial programming NYPD Blue (23/8.3)(Tied with The Practice) SummerAccording to Jim (R)The MoleHouston Medical Mid-summerMonk (R)WidowsCBSJAG (14/9.9)(Tied with Frasier)The Guardian (22/8.4)Judging Amy (16/9.8)(Tied with Inside Schwartz)Fox FallThat '70s ShowUndeclaredLove CruiseLocal programming Mid-fall24 Winter Andy Richter Controls the Universe SpringThat '70s Show (R) Late springThat '70s Show (R)American Idol:The Search for a Superstar SummerThat '70s Show (R) Grounded for LifeNBC Fall EmerilThree SistersFrasier (14/9.9)(Tied with JAG)ScrubsDateline Tuesday WinterFrasier (R) Late winter Watching Ellie SpringSpecial programming Summer Spy TVSpy TV (R) Mid-summerJust Shoot Me! (R) The Rerun ShowUPN FallBuffy the Vampire SlayerRoswellLocal programming WinterVarious programming Spring As If The Random Years Mid-springRoswell SummerUnder One Roof Mid-summerVarious programmingThe WBGilmore GirlsSmallville Note: Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Roswell moved to UPN from The WB this season. Wednesday Network8:00 p.m.8:30 p.m.9:00 p.m.9:30 p.m.10:00 p.m.10:30 p.m.ABC FallMy Wife & KidsAccording to JimThe Drew Carey Show Whose Line is it Anyway?20/20 Downtown WinterThe Job Spring George Lopez Mid-springAccording to Jim Late spring My Adventures in Television Early summerThe Drew Carey Show (R) SummerMy Wife & Kids (R)CBS Fall60 Minutes II (30/7.7)(Tied with Family Law)The Amazing RaceWolf Lake Mid-fallSpecial programming WinterCBS Wednesday Movie Late winterThe Amazing Race48 Hours SpringCBS Wednesday Movie SummerBig Brother48 HoursFox FallMalcolm in the Middle (R)Grounded for LifeVarious programmingLocal programming Mid-fallThe Bernie Mac ShowTitus WinterThat '80s Show SpringGreg the Bunny Mid-springVarious programming Late springAmerican Idol:The Search for a Superstar Summer 30 Seconds to FameSpecial programming Mid-summer30 Seconds to FameNBC FallEdThe West Wing (8/11.4)Law & Order (5/12.6) SummerSpecial programmingUPN FallStar Trek: EnterpriseSpecial Unit 2Local programming WinterSpecial programming SpringWolf Lake Mid-springVarious programming Late springWolf Lake (R) SummerBuffy the Vampire Slayer (R)The WB FallDawson's CreekFelicity WinterGlory Days SpringFelicity Late springDawson's Creek (R) SummerWB Wednesday Movie Note: When their original fall schedule was announced, ABC planned for the second season of The Job to air after The Drew Carey Show in mid-September, leading into NYPD Blue in the 10pm ET timeslot after 20/20 Downtown returned to Friday nights in late December.https://www.nytimes.com/2001/05/16/arts/tv-notes-20-20-bouncing-and-vanishing.html TV NOTES; '20/20' Bouncing and Vanishing The New York Times 16 May 2001 Carter Bill The series was delayed after 9/11 and premiered on January 16 to allow the show's cast and crew to adjust the scripts and tone for the New York-set police dramedy to the city's new post-9/11 reality. In the meantime, Bob Patterson moved to that same timeslot in an attempt to save the show, with NYPD Blue returning to its traditional Tuesday night berth, albeit one hour earlier at 9 p.m. ET. Thursday Network8:00 p.m.8:30 p.m.9:00 p.m.9:30 p.m.10:00 p.m.10:30 p.m.ABC FallWhose Line Is It Anyway?Whose Line Is It Anyway? (R)Who Wants to Be a MillionairePrimetime Winter Spring SummerABC Big Picture ShowCBS FallSurvivor: Africa (6/11.8) CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2/14.5)The Agency WinterVarious programming Late winterSurvivor: Marquesas (6/11.8) SpringThe Price is Right Salutes SummerBig BrotherFox FallSpecial programmingLocal programming Mid-fallFamily Guy The Tick Temptation Island WinterFamily Guy (R) Late winterKing of the Hill (R)Futurama (R) SpringFox Thursday Night Movie SummerBeyond Belief: Fact or FictionThe PulseNBC FallFriends (1/15.0)Inside Schwartz (16/9.8)(Tied with Judging Amy)Will & Grace (9/11.0)(Tied with Leap of Faith)Just Shoot Me! (18/9.3)ER (3/14.2) Mid-fallVarious programming Late fallInside Schwartz (16/9.8)(Tied with Judging Amy) Winter Will & Grace (R) Late winterLeap of Faith (9/11.0)(Tied with Will & Grace) SpringFriends (R) Late springVarious programming SummerScrubs (R) Mid-summer The Rerun Show Late summerVarious programmingUPN WWF SmackDown!Local programmingThe WB FallPopstarsCharmed Late fall PopstarsMaybe It's Me (R) WinterVarious programming SpringGilmore Girls (R) Late springThe Jamie Kennedy Experiment (R) SummerReba (R)The Jamie Kennedy Experiment (R)Off Centre (R) NOTE: The WB aired ElimiDate Deluxe at 8:30 pm on October 11 and 18 before being canceled due to low ratings.2001-09-27 Thursday premiere: Elimidate Deluxe https://www.seattlepi.com/entertainment/tv/article/thursday-premiere-elimidate-deluxe-1066914.php 2026-09-25 Seattle Post-Intelligencer en Friday Network8:00 p.m.8:30 p.m.9:00 p.m.9:30 p.m.10:00 p.m.10:30 p.m.ABC FallThe Mole: The Next BetrayalThievesOnce and Again Mid-fallAmerica's Funniest Home Videos Late fallSpecial programming Winter20/20 SpringVarious programming SummerWhose Line Is It Anyway? (R)CBS Fall The Ellen Show DannyThat's Life48 Hours Mid-fallVarious programming The Ellen Show Late fallSpecial programming WinterJAG (R)First Monday SpringVarious programming Late spring48 HoursCBS Friday Night Movie SummerVarious programmingFox FallDark AngelPasadenaLocal programming Mid-fall24 (R) WinterThat '70s Show (R)Various programmingDark Angel SpringDark Angel (R)The X-Files (R) SummerInvasion of the Hidden CamerasNBC FallProvidence (27/7.9)(Tied with Fear Factor and Law & Order: Criminal Intent)Dateline NBC (25/8.1)(Tied with Baby Bob)Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (12/10.4) Winter SpringDateline Friday (25/8.1)(Tied with Baby Bob) SummerDateline NBC (25/8.1)(Tied with Baby Bob)Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (R)UPN FallUPN's Night at the MoviesLocal programming SpringVarious programmingUnder One Roof Mid-springUPN's Night at the MoviesThe WB FallSabrina the Teenage Witch Maybe It's MeReba Raising Dad Winter Raising Dad Maybe It's Me SummerSabrina the Teenage Witch (R)Raising Dad (R) NOTE: Fox aired The Chamber on January 25, 2002, after two preview airings on past Sunday nights. The show was cancelled after its Friday night airing. Saturday Network8:00 p.m.8:30 p.m.9:00 p.m.9:30 p.m.10:00 p.m.10:30 p.m.ABCABC Big Picture ShowCBS FallTouched by an AngelCitizen BainesThe District Mid-fallVarious programming SummerBig BrotherThe District (R)The Agency (R)Fox COPSCOPS (R) America's Most Wanted:America Fights BackLocal programming NBCSpecial programmingNBC Saturday Night Movie By network ABC Returning series 20/20 ABC Big Picture Show The ABC Monday Night Movie ABC Saturday Night Movie America's Funniest Home Videos Dharma & Greg The Drew Carey Show The Job The Mole Monday Night Football My Wife and Kids NYPD Blue Once and Again The Practice Primetime Thursday Spin City The Wayne Brady Show What About Joan? Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Whose Line Is It Anyway? The Wonderful World of Disney New series According to Jim Alias The Bachelor Bob Patterson The Chair * The Court * George Lopez * Houston Medical * Monk (reruns)A USA Network original series; airs repeats. Philly Thieves Wednesday 9:30 (8:30 Central) * Widows * Not returning from 2000–01: The Beast Dot Comedy The Geena Davis Show Gideon's Crossing Madigan Men Making the Band (revived and moved to MTV in 2002) The Norm Show The Trouble With Normal Two Guys and a Girl You Don't Know Jack CBS Returning series 48 Hours 60 Minutes 60 Minutes II Becker Big Brother CBS Friday Night Movie CBS Sunday Movie CBS Wednesday Movie CSI: Crime Scene Investigation The District Everybody Loves Raymond Family Law JAG Judging Amy The King of Queens Survivor That's Life Touched by an Angel Yes, Dear New series AFP: American Fighter Pilot * The Amazing Race The Agency Baby Bob * Citizen Baines Danny The Education of Max Bickford The Ellen Show First Monday * The Guardian Wolf Lake Not returning from 2000–01: Bette Big Apple Diagnosis: Murder The Fugitive Kate Brasher Ladies Man Nash Bridges Some of My Best Friends Walker, Texas Ranger Welcome to New York Fox Returning series Ally McBeal America's Most Wanted Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction Boston Public Cops Dark Angel Family Guy Fox Thursday Night Movie Futurama Grounded for Life Guinness World Records Primetime King of the Hill Malcolm in the Middle That '70s Show The Simpsons Temptation Island Titus World's Wildest Police Videos The X-Files New series 24 30 Seconds to Fame * The American Embassy * American Idol * Andy Richter Controls the Universe * The Bernie Mac Show The Chamber * Greg the Bunny * Looking for Love: Bachelorettes in Alaska * Love Cruise Meet the Marks * Pasadena The Pulse * That '80s Show * The Tick Undeclared Not returning from 2000–01: Boot Camp FreakyLinks The Lone Gunmen Murder in Small Town X Night Visions Normal, Ohio The Street NBC Returning series Dateline NBC Ed ER Fear Factor Frasier Friends Just Shoot Me! Law & Order Law & Order: Special Victims Unit NBC Saturday Night Movie Providence Spy TV Third Watch Three Sisters The Weakest Link The West Wing Will & Grace New series Crossing Jordan Dog Eat Dog * Emeril Imagine That * Inside Schwartz Law & Order: Criminal Intent Leap of Faith Lost Meet My Folks * The Rerun Show * Scrubs UC: Undercover Watching Ellie * Not returning from 2000–01: Cursed (renamed The Weber Show) DAG Daddio Deadline The Downer Channel The Fighting Fitzgeralds First Years Go Fish Kristin The Michael Richards Show 3rd Rock from the Sun Titans Tucker UPN Returning series Buffy the Vampire Slayer (moved from The WB) Girlfriends The Hughleys The Parkers Roswell (moved from The WB) Special Unit 2 UPN's Night at the Movies WWE SmackDown! New series As If * One on One The Random Years * Star Trek: Enterprise Under One Roof * Not returning from 2000–01: All Souls Chains of Love Freedom Gary and Mike Level 9 Manhunt Moesha Seven Days Star Trek: Voyager The WB Returning series 7th Heaven Angel Charmed Dawson’s Creek Felicity Flix From the Frog For Your Love Gilmore Girls Nikki Popstars USA Ripley's Believe It or Not! Sabrina the Teenage Witch The Steve Harvey Show WB Wednesday Movie New series Elimidate Deluxe Glory Days * The Jamie Kennedy Experiment * Maybe It's Me Men, Women & Dogs My Guide to Becoming a Rock Star * Off Centre Raising Dad Reba Ripley's Believe It or Not! (reruns)A TBS Superstation original series; airs repeats. Smallville Not returning from 2000–01: Buffy the Vampire Slayer (moved to UPN) Grosse Pointe Hype Jack & Jill The Jamie Foxx Show The Oblongs The PJs Popular Roswell (moved to UPN) Note: The * indicates that the program was introduced in midseason. Renewals and cancellations Renewals ABC According to Jim—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. Alias—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. The Drew Carey Show—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. George Lopez—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. My Wife and Kids—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. NYPD Blue—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. The Practice—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. CBS The Agency—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. Baby Bob—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. Becker—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. The District—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. Everybody Loves Raymond—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. The Guardian—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. JAG—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. Judging Amy—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. The King of Queens—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. Touched by an Angel—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. Yes, Dear—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. Fox 24—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. Andy Richter Controls the Universe—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. The Bernie Mac Show—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. Boston Public—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. Futurama—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. King of the Hill—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. Malcolm in the Middle—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. The Simpsons—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. That '70s Show—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. NBC Crossing Jordan—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. Ed—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. ER—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. Frasier—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. Friends—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. Just Shoot Me!—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. Law & Order—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. Law & Order: Criminal Intent—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. Providence—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. Scrubs—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. Third Watch—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. Watching Ellie—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. The West Wing—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. Will & Grace—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. UPN Buffy the Vampire Slayer—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. Girlfriends—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. One on One—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. The Parkers—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. Star Trek: Enterprise—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. The WB 7th Heaven—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. Angel—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. Charmed—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. Dawson’s Creek—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. Gilmore Girls—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. Off Centre—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. Reba—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. Sabrina the Teenage Witch—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. Smallville—Renewed for the 2002–2003 season. Cancellations/series endings ABC Bob Patterson—Canceled after one season, due to the September 11, 2001 attacks. The Court—Canceled after one season. Dharma & Greg—Ended after five seasons. The Job—Canceled after two seasons. Once and Again—Ended after three seasons. Philly—Canceled after one season. Spin City—Ended after six seasons. Thieves—Canceled after one season. Wednesday 9:30 (8:30 Central)—Canceled after one season. What About Joan?—Canceled after two seasons, due to the September 11, 2001 attacks. CBS Citizen Baines—Canceled after one season. Danny—Canceled after one season. The Education of Max Bickford—Canceled after one season. The Ellen Show—Canceled after one season. Family Law—Ended after three seasons. First Monday—Canceled after one season. That's Life—Canceled after two seasons. Wolf Lake—Canceled by CBS after 5 episodes. The final 4 episodes aired from April 10, 2002 until May 1, 2002 on UPN. Fox Ally McBeal—Ended after five seasons. The American Embassy—Canceled after one season. Dark Angel—Canceled after two seasons. Family Guy—Returned for the 2004–2005 season. Grounded for Life—Moved to The WB on February 28, 2003. Pasadena—Canceled after one season. That '80s Show—Canceled after one season. The Tick—Canceled after one season. Titus—Canceled after three seasons. Undeclared—Canceled after one season. The X-Files—Returned for the 2015–2016 season. NBC Emeril—Canceled after one season. Imagine That—Canceled after one season. Inside Schwartz—Canceled after one season. Leap of Faith—Canceled after one season. Three Sisters—Canceled after two seasons. UC: Undercover—Canceled after one season. The Weakest Link—Returned for the 2020–2021 season. UPN As If—Canceled after one season. The Hughleys—Ended after four seasons. The Random Years—Canceled after one season. Roswell—Ended after three seasons. The WB Felicity—Ended after four seasons. For Your Love—Ended after five seasons. Glory Days—Canceled after one season. Maybe It's Me—Canceled after one season. Men, Women & Dogs—Canceled after one season. My Guide to Becoming a Rock Star—Canceled after one season. Nikki—Canceled after two seasons. Raising Dad—Canceled after one season. The Steve Harvey Show—Ended after six seasons. References Notes Category:United States primetime network television schedules Category:2001 in American television Category:2002 in American television Category:Impact of the September 11 attacks on television