'Friends,' 'Gilligan's' Score High

By Stephen M. Silverman

Wednesday October 17, 2001 03:12 PM EDT

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NBC remained the network to beat in last week's ratings race, thanks to "Friends," "Scrubs," "The West Wing" and its three "Law & Order" dramas. ABC had a rough time of it Tuesday, prompting a major overhaul of the night and cancellation of the 8:30 p.m. sitcom "What About Joan" after two airings. On Fox, though, the 8:30 p.m. Tuesday slot remained a bright spot as the new sitcom "Undeclared" continues to hold up well by following "That '70s Show." CBS produced the week's biggest surprise with big numbers for its "Surviving Gilligan's Island: The Incredibly True Story of the Longest Three-Hour Tour in History." ABC also got a solid showing Sunday from the broadcast premiere of the Disney animated feature "The Emperor's New Groove." The Nielsen Top 10 for the week of Oct. 8-14:

1. "Friends," NBC, 17.9, 18.9 million homes
2. "The West Wing," NBC, 15.3, 16.1 million homes
3. (tie) "ER," NBC, 14.4, 15.2 million homes
3. (tie) "Law & Order," NBC, 14.4, 15.2 million homes
5. "Everybody Loves Raymond," CBS, 14.1, 14.9 million homes
6. "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," CBS, 13.8, 14.6 million homes
7. "Survivor: Africa," CBS, 13.2, 14.0 million homes
8. "Will & Grace," NBC, 12.4, 13.1 million homes
9. "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," NBC, 11.7, 12.4 million homes
10. "Becker," CBS, 11.6, 12.2 million homes