‘Quantum Leap’ Is Renewed for a Fourth Season by NBC

“Quantum Leap,” which has seen its ratings increase by 58% since returning to the NBC schedule March 6, has been renewed for a fourth season, the network announced Friday.

The fantasy drama, in which Scott Bakula stars as time-traveling scientist Sam Beckett, has averaged a 12.3 Nielsen rating (about 11.4 million households) in its four most recent telecasts.

Also receiving renewal notices Friday were NBC’s “Law & Order,” and ABC’s “Doogie Howser, M.D.”

Meanwhile, “Twin Peaks’ ” renewal hopes suffered a blow when the serial mystery finished fourth in the 9-10 p.m. time period Thursday. In its first broadcast since Feb. 16, “Twin Peaks” received a 6.2 rating (about 5.7 million households) compared to 20.6 for “Cheers” and 16.2 for “Wings” on NBC, 8.6 for “The Antagonists” on CBS and 8 for “Beverly Hills, 90210” on Fox.