CBS leads pack, with ‘CSI’s’ help

With “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” finding another ratings high, CBS has now won the first three weeks of the new TV season in overall viewing while NBC remains the only network in close pursuit, based on viewing estimates issued Tuesday by Nielsen Media Research.

CBS is being paced by its strength Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays as well as the surprise success of the new drama “Hack” on Friday nights. The network’s Sunday movie continues to struggle, with disappointing tune-in for “Gleason.”

NBC remains the clear-cut leader in the young-adult demographics sought by advertisers, but experienced a few areas of concern. Tune-in for its new drama “American Dreams” dropped from the previous week and “The West Wing” slipped to its lowest rating since its first season as ABC’s “The Bachelor” and the WB’s “Birds of Prey” siphoned younger viewers.

“Just Shoot Me” also misfired, kicking off its seventh season opposite ABC’s “8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter” and “JAG.” On the plus side for NBC, “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” appears to be solidifying its hold at 9 p.m. Sunday -- a slot made more challenging by HBO’s “The Sopranos.”

With solid ratings for “Birds” and its Tuesday tandem of “Smallville” and “Gilmore Girls,” viewing of the WB rose 20% compared with the corresponding week a year ago.