Audience Tunes In ‘FM’

Half-hour comedies captured the top 12 places in the A.C. Nielsen list of last week’s most-watched programs, including a strong showing by NBC newcomer “FM,” which was seen in about 14.7 million homes. The fact that it was positioned behind the summer’s most popular TV program, “Cheers,” certainly helped. Overall, the ratings released Tuesday showed that NBC finished first in the prime-time derby for the 61st consecutive week, and the three networks attracted 59% of the available viewers--their best combined showing since June 19. The full list of ratings is on Page 10.

* Even the news division’s report about L.A. gangs did well for NBC. Both the documentary on Tuesday and the follow-up discussion on Wednesday won their time periods with an average audience of about 11.8 million homes.

TV RATINGS

Show Points Share 1.”Cheers” 18.8 34 NBC 2.”Roseanne” 18.7 31 ABC 3.”Golden Girls” 16.8 28 NBC 4.”The Wonder Years” 16.6 29 ABC 5.”FM” 16.3 29 NBC *”Gangs, Cops & Drugs” 13.8 25 NBC