• by Paul Gough , March 12, 2003

CBS edged NBC in primetime total household ratings and Fox took another week in the adults 18-49 demographic in the week’s Nielsen Media Research rankings.

In total household ratings, CBS (7.2/12) hung on to the lead following a strong challenge from NBC (7.1/12). Fox (6/10) came in third, followed by ABC (5.4/9), The WB (2.4/4) and UPN (2.1/3). CBS remains in the lead in the 24 weeks of the 2002-03 TV season, with an 8.5/14 compared to NBC’s (7.8/13), ABC’s 6.6/11 and Fox’s 6.1/10. The WB has delivered a 2.7/4 so far this season and UPN earned a 2.3/4. While The WB only measures itself by the 12-34 demo, it’s ahead in Nielsen’s 18-49 from last year’s 2.5/4 at the same point last year.

In adults 18-49, Fox (4.5/12) took another week in what has become a race with perennial demo winner NBC (4.1/11). CBS (3.4/9) and ABC (3.2/9) came in third and fourth. NBC remains on top season-to-date, with a 4.6/12 compared to Fox’s 4.2/11 and a tie with ABC and CBS (4/11).

CBS had the top three shows of the week in primetime households and persons for the week ended Sunday. Fox had two top 10 shows and NBC had three shows. The top 10 shows are:

1. CSI (CBS), 14.2/23.
2. Survivor: Amazon (CBS), 13.5/20.
3. 60 Minutes (CBS), 11.6/20.
4. American Idol – Tuesday (Fox), 11/17.
5. Everybody Loves Raymond (CBS), 10.7/16.
6. American Idol – Wednesday (Fox), 10.4/17.
7. Friends Special Repeat 3/6 (NBC), 10.4/15.
8. Law & Order (NBC), 10/17.
9. CSI: Miami (CBS), 9.7/16.
10. Law & Order: Criminal Intent (NBC), 9.7/15.