TV Ratings : ‘Cosby Show’ Exits on Top

Despite the rioting in Los Angeles that followed the verdict in the Rodney G. King beating trial, “The Cosby Show” managed to go out on top last Thursday. Ratings released Tuesday by the A.C. Nielsen Co. showed that the final episode of the NBC comedy was seen in about 25.8 million homes--only about half the number that tuned in for the last installment of “MASH” in 1983, which is the highest-rated TV program ever. NBC wound up placing third among the networks, however, averaging an 11.5 rating for the week’s prime-time programs, compared to CBS’ 12.6, ABC’s 12 and Fox’s 7.3.

Points Share 1. “The Cosby Show” (NBC) 28.0 45 2. “Roseanne” (ABC) 21.6 33 3. “Cheers” (NBC) 19.8 30 4. “60 Minutes” (CBS) 19.1 37 5. “Murphy Brown” (CBS) 19.0 29 * “Country Music Awards” (NBC) 15.6 25

(Each rating point represents 921,000 homes. Share is the percentage of viewing audience.)

* NBC probably would have fared better overall had its “Country Music Awards” been shown in Los Angeles. But it was preempted by riot coverage Wednesday night and wound up placing 14th among the week’s 83 prime-time shows.