Three ‘Frasier’ Episodes Help Nbc Top Weekly Ratings

A triple helping of “Frasier” and a special featuring its star, Kelsey Grammer, helped NBC offset an “ER”-less week and win the latest network ratings contest.

Although its top-ranked medical drama had the week off, NBC posted five of the top 10 programs for Nov. 27-Dec. 3, including back-to-back Tuesday episodes of “Frasier” and another on Thursday.

Grammer’s salute to comedian Jack Benny filled “ER’s” Thursday slot but couldn’t quite fill its big hospital booties. The Benny special won the time period but ranked 18th to “ER’s” usual No. 1 showing.

Overall, NBC posted an 11.7 rating and 19 share for the week, according to figures released Tuesday by Nielsen Media Research. ABC, which split the top 10 shows with NBC, earned a 10.3 rating and 17 share. Third-place CBS, with a 9.8 rating and 16 share, had its highestranked program in “Chicago Hope” at No. 11.

Fox Broadcasting Co., which programs 15 prime-time hours, had a 7.9 rating and 12 share as its top series, “The X-Files,” earned its second highest rating ever with the conclusion of a two-part episode.

Here are the top 20 shows, their networks and ratings:

1.”Seinfeld,” NBC, 19.4.

2. “Frasier,” NBC, 17.8.

3. “Friends,” NBC, 16.8.

4. “Home Improvement,” ABC, 16.7.

5. “NFL Monday Night Football (Raiders-Chargers),” ABC, 15.7.

6. “Frasier,” NBC, 15.4.

7. “NYPD Blue,” ABC, 15.4.

8. “Grace Under Fire,” ABC, 14.8.

9. “Frasier,” NBC, 14.6.

10. “Coach,” ABC, 14.4.

10.”Caroline in the City,” NBC, 14.3.

12. “Chicago Hope,” CBS, 14.3.

13. “National Geographic Special,” NBC, 14.2.

14. “Dateline NBC” (Wednesday), NBC, 14.1.

15. “NBC Sunday Night Movie: Shadow of a Doubt,” NBC, 14.1.

16. “Walker, Texas Ranger,” CBS, 13.9.

17. “60 Minutes,” CBS, 13.8.

18. “Kelsey Grammer Salutes Jack Benny,” NBC, 13.5.

19. “Murphy Brown,” CBS, 13.4.

20. “Dateline NBC” (Tuesday), 13.2.