NBC Keeps Alive Fall Win Streak

Sherry Stringfield’s return to “ER” and the many-armed “Law & Order” beast helped provide NBC its fourth consecutive ratings victory to open the new television season, based on viewing estimates issued Tuesday by Nielsen Media Research.

Demonstrating the durability of the “Law & Order” franchise, NBC popped an episode of the latest incarnation, “Criminal Intent,” after “The West Wing” last Wednesday and barely missed a beat. “Friends” also continues its hot streak, easily weathering the heat from “Survivor: Africa,” though the network’s other Thursday comedies looked decidedly less impressive.

Even so, NBC’s four-week winning streak, edging CBS, represents its longest in terms of overall viewing since 1998, before “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” reared its head on ABC.

Two second-year comedies, ABC’s “My Wife & Kids” and CBS’ “Yes, Dear,” also continue to fare well, with the latter delivering its biggest audience ever last week. In addition, “According to Jim,” starring Jim Belushi, is showing promise as a companion to “Kids,” offering a rare beacon in ABC’s otherwise dimming sitcom roster.

The other standouts last week largely belonged to smaller networks, including the WB’s “Smallville” premiere, that network’s “7th Heaven” and UPN’s “Enterprise.” VH1’s star-studded “The Concert for New York City” also drew more than 5 million viewers in prime time Saturday .