NEW YORK -- CBS narrowly edged ABC for first place in last week's prime-time ratings race. NBC, tied with CBS for first place the previous week, came in a close third.
The last week before Labor Day found the three networks still cruising on summer reruns, the top-rated entry being NBC's 'Bill Cosby Show.' CBS's new fall series, 'Hometown,' airing its second episode, ranked 30th after being tied for 23rd a week earlier.
NBC also had the week's No. 2-ranked show, 'Family Ties,' while CBS's 'Kate & Allie' was No. 3.
The new CBS news magazine, 'West 57th,' placed 45th, still well behind such established rivals as ABC's '20-20' (14th) and CBS's '60 Minutes' (16th).
'CBS Evening News with Dan Rather' again was the No. 1 news show for the week, with a 10.9 rating and a 23 share. ABC's 'World News Tonight' was second with a 10.4 rating and 22 share. 'NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw' was third with an 8.8 rating and an 18 share.
The top prime time shows for the week ending Sept. 1 according to the A.C. Nielsen Co., were:
1. The Bill Cosby Show (NBC)
2. Family Ties (NBC)
3. Kate & Allie (CBS)
4. Newhart (CBS)
5. Cheers (NBC)
6. Facts of Life (NBC)
7. CBS Wednesday Night Movie: 'Sparkling Cyanide' (CBS)
8. Moonlighting (ABC)
9. Highway to Heaven (NBC)
10. Scarecrow & Mrs.
