To the networks, it was a good season

A handful of new drama hits slowed – but didn’t reverse – declining viewership among the six broadcast networks in the 2004-05 TV season, which officially ended Wednesday night.

In true showbiz fashion, everyone has something to crow about:

“ CBS is again the most-watched network, although Fox can claim victory among young adults aged 18 to 49.

“ ABC is the most improved network, with an impressive 17 percent comeback.

“ NBC, which sank from first to fourth this season, still can tout its high-income viewers.

WB and UPN are in a dead heat for fifth place among both total viewers and young adults.

Half of last season’s top 10 new programs were reality series, led by “The Apprentice” and Fox’s “Big Fat Obnoxious Fiance.”

This year, the seven most-watched new series were dramas, with “Desperate Housewives” at the top of the heap, followed by “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Lost,” “Medium,” “CSI: NY,” “House” and “Numb3rs.” No unscripted show cracked the top 10.

“Grey’s Anatomy,” “Medium” and “Numb3rs” all premiered in less competitive midseason slots and aired fewer repeats, which boosted their ratings.

Overall, the broadcast networks lessened their slide, particularly among younger viewers (down 1 percent, versus a 5 percent drop last year), while basic cable accelerated its growth.

But pay-cable channels, led by HBO, slumped 16 percent, with fewer signature programs.