TV Networks Draw Only 54% of Audience

In a week when the three major networks attracted barely half the available prime-time viewers, the usual collection of sitcoms topped the A.C. Nielsen ratings chart released Tuesday. “Cheers” was the most-watched program last week, drawing viewers in about 15.8 million homes. That was far above the average for a prime-time network program last week, which was about 8.5 million. The three networks combined to attract only 54% of the viewing audience, compared to the 67% they averaged during the regular season. The full list of ratings is on Page 12.

* Fox continued to benefit from the network reruns. For the third week in a row, “Married . . . With Children” was the most-watched program in its time period Sunday night, garnering viewers in about 10.1 million homes. Fox’s “America’s Most Wanted,” “Totally Hidden Video” and “21 Jump Street” finished second in their slots.

TV RATINGS

Show Points Share 1. “Cheers” 17.5 32 NBC 2. “Roseanne” 17.4 30 ABC 3. “The Cosby Show” 16.2 33 NBC 4. “A Different World” 16.0 30 NBC 5. “Dear John” 15.8 28 NBC * “Married ... With Children” 11.2 20 Fox