CBS shows dominate weeklong ratings

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo passes under pressure from New York Giants' Barry Cofield during the first half of their game in Irving, December 14, 2008. NBC's ''Sunday Night Football'' was the week's top show with 23.1 million viewers, and was also the most-watched game in the three-year history of the franchise.

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - CBS was once again the most-watched network last week, enjoying a wide lead over a resurgent, football-fueled NBC in second.

CBS averaged 11.9 million viewers during the week ended December 14, according to Nielsen Media Research, followed by NBC (8.8 million), ABC (6.3 million), and Fox (6 million).

NBC's "Sunday Night Football," featuring the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys, was the week's top show with 23.1 million viewers, and was also the most-watched game in the three-year history of the franchise.

CBS' "CSI" followed with 20.9 million. The crime series sported stronger-than-usual ratings thanks to a lack of competition from repeat-filled ABC and the debut of a character played by Laurence Fishburne. CBS rounded out the top five with "60 Minutes," "Two and a Half Men" and "Criminal Minds."

ABC's top show was the annual telecast of "Charlie Brown Christmas" (11.0 million, No. 15). Fox was paced by "House" (14.1 million, No. 6).

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter