‘Dove’ Takes CBS to Rare Heights

CBS soared on the wings of “Lonesome Dove,” recording its best prime-time ratings last week since the week of March 2, 1987. Even with three episodes of the miniseries finishing in the Top 10, however, figures released Tuesday by the A. C. Nielsen Co. showed that CBS managed only a tie with NBC for the weekly ratings crown. Each had an average audience of 15.1 million households, compared to 11.5 million for ABC. For a full list of the ratings, see Page 9.

* Viewers’ love affair with the Old West of “Lonesome Dove” did not carry over to CBS’ other Western, “Paradise.” The series, normally seen Thursdays, was given a special slot in front of the concluding installment of the miniseries, but was seen in only 10.1 million homes, compared to 24.7 million for “Lonesome Dove.”

TV RATINGS

Show Points Share 1.”Lonesome Dove,”Part 4 27.3 41 CBS 2.”The Cosby Show”(Thurs.) 27.1 41 NBC 3.”The Cosby Show”(Mon.) 25.6 37 NBC 4.”Lonesome Dove,” Part 3 24.8 37 CBS 5.”Roseanne” 24.7 35 ABC *”Paradise” 12.1 18 CBS