TV RATINGS : Oscars Lead the Ratings Race

Ratings for last week’s broadcast of the Academy Awards improved a bit over 1987’s, turning around a two-year slide. According to A.C. Nielsen Co. figures released Tuesday, the annual Oscarcast managed to push NBC’s top-rated Thursday night lineup down a notch by taking “Cosby’s” accustomed No.-1 position. And Barbara Walters’ pre-Oscar (in the East) and post-Oscar (in the West) interview special--including a segment with Cher--took the No.-5 slot. “L.A. Law” (ranking ninth), “60 Minutes” (11th) and “The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd” (18th) all benefited from broadcasting new shows.

* America apparently likes law and order. Not satisfied with fictional cops and lawyers shows, audiences are watching programs like “Most Wanted”--where viewers at home can call in with tips to help catch wanted criminals. The size of the show’s audience has grown by more than 2.5 million viewers.

Show Points Share Week 1. 60th Annual Academy Awards 29.4 49 4/17 (ABC) (special) 2. The Cosby Show 22.2 38 4/17 (NBC) (repeat) 3. A Different World 22.2 36 4/17 (NBC) (repeat) 4. Cheers 22.1 36 4/17 (NBC) (repeat) 5. Barbara Walters Special 21.1 35 4/17 (ABC) * America’s Most Wanted 7.6 13 4/17 (Fox)