TV Ratings : A Week That All the Networks Can Cheer

Each of the four major networks had something to crow about Wednesday when the A.C. Nielsen Co. released the prime-time ratings for last week. ABC’s “Michael Jackson Talks . . . “ was the top-rated program of the week and ranked as one of the most-watched entertainment programs in TV history. CBS won the weekly network battle and said that the first installment of its three-part “Queen” was the highest rated movie on any network since NBC’s “Those She Left Behind” on March 6, 1989. Fox noted that “Martin” scored its highest rating since debuting last fall and ranked No. 26 among the week’s 95 prime-time programs. And NBC saw “Seinfeld,” in its second outing behind “Cheers,” record its highest ratings ever.

But NBC is not the only beneficiary of the “Seinfeld” move: ABC’s “Home Improvement,” which formerly squared off against “Seinfeld,” now is the only comedy option on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. and achieved its highest ratings ever last week to rank second among all programs.

* NBC’s prime-time newsmagazine drew its usual audience last week as the network apologized for failing to disclose the details of a rigged crash that was taped for use in a “Dateline NBC” story last November about the safety of General Motors pickup trucks. But ratings dropped this week--at least inpart because the program aired Tuesday opposite the second installment of CBS’ “Queen.”

TV Ratings

Program Network Points Share 1.”Michael Jackson Talks ... “ ABC 39.3 56 2.”Home Improvement” ABC 26.4 38 3.”Queen, Part 1” CBS 24.7 38 4.”60 Minutes” CBS 22.5 38 5.”Roseanne” ABC 20.9 31 “Dateline NBC” NBC 11.2 19

(Each rating point represents 931,000 homes. Share is the percentage of viewing audience.)