Strength in scripted series helps win the week for CBS in Nielsen TV ratings

Regular series key Nielsen win for CBS

NEW YORK — CBS flexed its strength in scripted series to sail to the top of the weekly television standings.

Ten of the 11 most popular dramas or comedies in prime-time TV were CBS shows. The Nielsen Co. says the lone exception was ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy.” Leading the way, as it has most of this season, was CBS’ Tuesday night powerhouse “NCIS.”

Keeping ABC close last week was “Dancing With the Stars.” Its ratings have been down with this crop of dancers, but it is approaching the end of a competition, so last week it was the second most popular show.

The “American Music Awards” grew its audience for the third consecutive year.