CBS’ ratings win follows the script

CBS’ season-long dominance in scripted programming returned the network to the top of the prime-time ratings last week after a four-week interrup- tion caused by the Winter Olympics and Academy Awards.

CBS had each of the eight most-watched scripted programs and averaged 11.27 million viewers for its prime-time programming between March 8 and Sunday -- its 18th weekly victory in the television season’s 25 weeks, according to figures released Tuesday by the Nielsen Co.

CBS’ most-watched program was “NCIS,” third overall, averaging 19.58 million viewers, behind the Tuesday and Wednesday “American Idol” episodes.

The CBS comedy “The Big Bang Theory” averaged a series-high 16.99 million viewers, finishing seventh, and was the week’s most-watched scripted program among viewers ages 18-49.

The NBC game show “Minute to Win It” was the most watched of the week’s three premieres. It averaged 4.67 million viewers, finishing 69th for the week among programs on the five major broadcast networks and third in its 7-8 p.m. Sunday time slot. A second installment in its regular 8-9 p.m. Sunday slot averaged 7.47 million viewers, finishing 41st for the week and again third in its slot.

The Fox comedy “Sons of Tucson” averaged 4.47 million viewers, finishing 73rd for the week among programs on the five major broadcast networks and fourth in its 9:30-10 p.m. Sunday time slot.

The CW unscripted series “High Society” averaged 1.26 million viewers, finishing 93rd among programs on the five major broadcast networks and fifth in its 9:30-10 p.m. Wednesday slot.

The week’s most-watched prime-time cable program was the conclusion of the two-part season finale of the Disney Channel comedy “Hannah Montana,” with 6.92 million viewers, which would have put it 47th among the programs on the five major broadcast networks.