‘CSI,’ ‘Amy’ Help CBS Edge NBC

Record performances by “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation� and “Judging Amy� helped hoist CBS atop the ratings last week, narrowly edging NBC to halt that network’s four-week winning streak, based on viewing estimates issued Tuesday by Nielsen Media Research.

CBS’ military drama “JAG� also flew off with its second-highest rating ever, teaming with Tuesday bookend “Amy�--which is cleaning up opposite ABC’s “Philly�--to help “The Guardian� emerge as one of the season’s surprise hits (benefiting in part from facing a “Frasier� rerun last week). The WB’s “Smallville,� meanwhile, slipped an acceptable 12% from its much-hyped premiere in the same Tuesday time slot.

Among other new series, NBC’s “Inside Schwartz� earned itself a seat on the bench during November for fumbling away more than 9 million viewers who watched “Friends,� while ABC’s “According to Jim� continues to do a solid job of retaining the audience for its lead-in show “My Wife & Kids.�

Fox’s coverage of the World Series got off to a dismal start Saturday before tune-in rebounded Sunday thanks to a closer finish and higher viewing levels that night. The boost Fox received from baseball left ABC in fourth place for the week, and the Disney-owned network is down more than 20% compared to the corresponding stretch last season. Notably, all three network newscasts were all up at least 10% versus the same week a year ago.