CBS Scores Top Ratings

CBS’ sophomore hit “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” drew a larger audience than “ER” for the third time this season when both shows offered an original episode, combining with the NCAA Final Four to help the network outscore the competition last week, based on viewing estimates issued Tuesday by Nielsen Media Research.

Saturday’s college basketball tournament coverage improved slightly compared to last year, while CBS enjoyed a strong performance from its Monday comedies, with “Yes, Dear” getting a boost from following “Everybody Loves Raymond.”

The spring’s new-series tryouts, meanwhile, continue to yield mixed results. CBS’ “Baby Bob,” Fox’s “Greg the Bunny” and ABC’s unscripted “The Bachelor” have all shown promise, while signs were less encouraging for ABC’s “Wednesday 9:30 (8:30 Central)” and NBC’s “Leap of Faith.”

ABC got a boost for its sluggish ratings from “The Ten Commandments,” as its 22nd telecast of the 1956 film won Sunday night and delivered the network’s highest rating of the week, although that was only good enough for 24th among last week’s prime-time offerings.

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National Nielsen Viewership

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