Rudolph guides CBS to victory

Series regulars and holiday specials helped CBS record its ninth ratings victory in 12 weeks by the narrowest of margins, based on viewing estimates issued Tuesday by Nielsen Media Research.

Among programs leading the way were “CSI” -- TV’s most-watched program for the seventh time this season -- and holiday perennial “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” which easily won its Friday slot.

On the flip side, a new animated special, “Robbie the Reindeer,” couldn’t maintain that altitude, and CBS’ movie “The Man Who Saved Christmas,” starring Jason Alexander, finished behind NBC’s showing of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.”

“The Simpsons” continues to post banner ratings in its 14th season -- helping “King of the Hill,” which follows it, record its biggest audience since 1998.

ABC’s “According to Jim” also hit a best-ever rating, thanks in part to feeble competition from Fox’s “Andy Richter Controls the Universe.”

NBC’s Thursday comedies generated season-low ratings, but the network’s “Fear Factor” delivered its biggest audience since May.

ABC’s “The Practice” also slipped to its lowest tune-in this fall, while CBS’ “60 Minutes” received only a modest bump from its Al Gore interview.

Comparing local and national results, ABC’s plastic surgery program “Extreme Makeover” was the seventh-most-watched telecast in the Los Angeles area last week, while ranking No. 23 nationally.

-- Brian Lowry