‘Wing’ and ‘Law’ Lead NBC’s Win

Record viewing of “The West Wing” and “Law & Order” combined with NBC’s Thursday night anchors to feather the Peacock network’s nest with a commanding ratings win, based on viewing estimates issued Tuesday by Nielsen Media Research.

CBS, by contrast, experienced a setback by canceling the Emmy Awards on Sunday, but last week’s results reflected other areas of concern. The network has already dropped the new sitcom “Danny,” both “The Ellen Show” and “Wolf Lake” are struggling, and the new CIA drama “The Agency” slipped 25% in its second week.

Then again, ABC’s new dramas “Philly” and “Alias” also lost a quarter or more of the audience that saw their premieres, reflecting the tough sledding new programs are facing. ABC had one bright spot in its premiere of the Jim Belushi sitcom “According to Jim,” but any enthusiasm needs to be tempered against a poor opening by the Jason Alexander vehicle “Bob Patterson” and the downward trajectory of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” whose two editions are averaging just 10.4 million viewers--down 47% from what four weekly installments delivered at this stage last year.

The WB, meanwhile, is getting a belated start, as “7th Heaven” built on its solid premiere and a two-hour “Charmed” got respectable ratings. (The WB is part-owned by Tribune Co., owner of the Los Angeles Times.)