TV RATINGS : Networks Neck ‘n’ Neck ‘n’ Neck

The weekly ratings released Tuesday by A.C. Nielsen confirmed that the three major networks are locked in the tightest battle in years for prime-time supremacy. Only three-tenths of a point separated them last week. NBC, which holds a narrow lead in the season-to-date standings, captured an even narrower victory for the week with a 12.5 rating, compared to 12.4 for ABC. CBS, which broadcast four of the week’s six most-watched programs, nevertheless ran third with a 12.2. (Each point represents 931,000 households.) The difference: CBS only had two other shows in the Top 30. Top-rated “60 Minutes” was seen in about 19.6 million homes. The full list of ratings is on F10.

* The critics may not think much of it, but ABC has a bona-fide time-period hit in “Full House.” The half-hour comedy, about three men parenting three girls, rolled over the competition in its 8 p.m. Friday slot last week and delivered its audience in a package to the show that followed, “Family Matters.” For the hour, ABC attracted viewers in about 14.6 million homes. CBS’ “Evening Shade” and “Bagdad Cafe” were seen in about 8.1 million, NBC’s “Quantum Leap” in 7.5 million, and Fox’s “America’s Most Wanted” in 5.5 million.

Show Points Share 1. “60 Minutes” (CBS) 21.1 34 2. “Cheers” (NBC) 20.4 32 3. “Roseanne” (ABC) 20.1 31 4. “Designing Women” (CBS) 19.9 30 5. “Murphy Brown” (CBS) 18.6 28 * “Full House” (ABC) 15.7 29