CBS tops TV ratings

The return of first-run episodes of its Tuesday-night lineup helped CBS return to the top of the prime-time television ratings last week following a one-week absence.

With “NCIS” and “NCIS: Los Angeles” as the week’s two most-watched scripted programs and “The Good Wife” finishing 13th overall, CBS averaged 9.49 million viewers for its prime-time programming between April 26 and Sunday, according to figures released Tuesday by the Nielsen Co.

CBS averaged 14.66 million viewers for its Tuesday lineup — 57% more than the previous Tuesday, when it aired reruns during a week it finished second behind Fox Broadcasting.

Fox averaged 8.26 million viewers to finish second for the week. Its “American Idol” telecasts were second and third overall but the show is still suffering a decline. For the season, “Idol” is averaging 24.4 million viewers, 7% less than this time last season.

ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars” competition program was the most-watched show for the third time in five weeks, averaging 20.40 million viewers.

The week’s only premiere, the ABC mystery “Happy Town,” finished third in its Wednesday 10-11 p.m. time slot and 57th for the week, averaging 5.25 million viewers.