The Los Angeles Times from Los Angeles, California • Page 86

2002:12:03:15:05:47 TELEVISION RADIO CALENDAR E15 LOSANGELESTIMES Viewing levels took a dive as the November rating sweeps gave way to the Thanksgiving weekend. That allowed CBS to stroll off with a weekly victory thanks to Christmas based on viewing estimates issued Tuesdayby Nielsen Media Research. ailing Sunday movie lurched to life with the Rob Lowe Christmas film, which drew the biggest audience for a TV movie this season. Indicating a healthy appetite for holiday fare, NBC also posted respectable numbers Fridaywith a Merry Muppet trouncing made-for-TV sequel Bradys in the White give ABC much to be thankful for, as its two-hour premiere of drew the kind of audience that could easily lead to extinction, especially given that the competition was mostly reruns and specials. Richter Controls the also made an unimpressive second-season debut, falling off its in the lead-in.

So far, has been a pillar of strength for Fox, but the rest of its Sunday all-comedy lineup is suspect. two-hour Paul McCartney special hit a flat note as well, whereas the prime-time college football coverage splitting the USC-Notre Dame and Florida-Florida State games placed first Saturday. The USC game was the second-most-watched program in the Los Angeles viewing area, while the games ranked No. 36 nationally. Lowry CBS steps into top spot National Nielsen Viewership Here are the rankings for national prime-time network television last week (Nov.

25-Dec. 1) as compiled by Nielsen Media Research. They are based on the average number of people who watched a program from start to finish. Nielsen estimates there are 272.04 million potential viewers in the U.S. age 2 and older.

Viewership is listed in millions. Program Network View- ersProgram Network Viewers 1 Everybody Loves RaymondCBS20.53 2 CSI: MiamiCBS18.83 3 Monday Night FootballABC16.88 4 Christmas 5 Still StandingCBS16.31 6 Law OrderNBC15.83 7 JAGCBS15.14 8 The SimpsonsFOX15.11 9 CSI 9 p.m.)CBS15.01 10 King of QueensCBS14.91 11 Judging AmyCBS 14.68 12 FrasierNBC14.66 13 Law Order: SVUNBC14.62 14 60 MinutesCBS14.43 15 The West WingNBC14.28 16 Yes, DearCBS14.05 17 Law Order: Crim. IntentNBC13.74 18 NFL Monday ShowcaseABC13.28 19 CSI 8 p.m.)CBS13.09 20 The GuardianCBS13.06 21 King of Queens 22 8Simple RulesABC12.60 23 According to JimABC12.58 24 Survivor: Look CloserCBS12.43 25 NYPD BlueABC12.42 26 27 BeckerCBS12.15 28 Without a TraceCBS11.74 29 King of the HillFOX11.68 30 Friends NBC11.53 31 The PracticeABC11.48 32 33 CSI 34 a Merry Muppet NBC10.98 35 American DreamsNBC10.81 36 College Football 37 38 Malcolm in the MiddleFOX10.710 39 NFL Sunday Postgame FOX10.50 40 Will GraceNBC10.27 41 Boston PublicFOX10.06 42 McGraw: Sing Me NBC10.01 43 Less Than PerfectABC9.96 44 Amazing Race: 3CBS9.94 45 Life With BonnieABC9.79 46 George Lopez ShowABC9.68 47 Dateline NBC 7 p.m.)NBC9.67 48 Hidden HillsNBC9.37 49 BoomtownNBC9.19 50 48 Hours InvestigatesCBS9.18 51 Wars My Wife KidsABC9.16 53 24FOX9.13 54 AliasABC9.10 55 7th HeavenWB9.06 56 at 57 HackCBS8.65 58 SmallvilleWB8.55 59 That ShowFOX8.48 60 That Show (8:30 p.m.)FOX8.33 61 Funniest Home VideosABC8.30 62 McCartney: Back in the U.S.” ABC8.13 63 64 Frasier (8:30 p.m.)NBC8.082 65 66 67 Wars: Episode 1 The Phantom FOX7.71 68 Robbery HomicideCBS7.52 69 Frasier (8 p.m.)NBC7.51 70 Andy Richter Controls Univ.FOX7.42 71 The Bernie Mac ShowFOX7.41 72 Holiday 73 74 EverwoodWB6.96 75 Cedric the EntertainerFOX6.57 76 Primetime ThursdayABC6.56 77 Gilmore GirlsWB6.30 78 Primetime Special Edition (Mon.) ABC6.29 79 FastlaneFOX5.98 80 DinotopiaABC5.72 81 The Drew Carey ShowABC5.36 82 Whose Line Is It 83 Buffy the Vampire SlayerUPN4.83 84 WWE 85 Birds of PreyWB 86 GirlfriendsUPN 4.37 87 One on OneUPN4.35 88 Half and HalfUPN4.08 89 The ParkersUPN4.04 90 CharmedWB3.82 91 EnterpriseUPN3.78 92 Beautiful 93 Gilmore Girls 94 in White 95 RebaWB3.36 96 Birds of Prey (8 p.m.)WB3.25 97 The Twilight ZoneUPN2.91 98 Greetings TucsonWB2.69 99 What I LikeWB2.35 100 AngelWB2.28 101 Family AffairWB2.27 102 103 Half and Half 104 Girlfriends 105 Trek: Wrath of Network Averages Here is the number of viewers (in millions) that each network averaged per hour of prime time, for last week and for the season Network Last Week Season to Date CBS12.5313.12 NBC11.0012.52 ABC9.6310.16 FOX8.459.65 WB4.474.80 UPN3.374.03 TIPS FOR TODAY 2-3 p.m.—Cost-Conscious Classix: Villa-Lobos for Soprano Saxophone, Three Horns and Phil- harmonia Orchestra), KCSN-FM (88.5). p.m.—The Treatment: Director Phillip Noyce Quiet KCRW-FM (89.9). 4-8 p.m.—Duffy and Larry Jones, founder of Feed the Children p.m.), KKLA-FM (99.5).

p.m., a.m.—Have Gun, Will Travel: Paladin (John Dehner) is hired to prevent an oil well from being turned into a vineyard (originally broadcast June 14, 1959), KNX (1070). DRAMA-COMEDY FAMILY p.m., a.m.—X-Minus 1: An astronaut is trapped in orbit (originally broadcast in 1956), KNX (1070). CLASSICAL 11 a.m.-1 p.m.—Performance Today, KCSN-FM (88.5). 7-8 p.m.—Music From Northridge, KCSN-FM (88.5). 7 p.m.-midnight—Jim Svejda: Brahms (1st Symphony, Berlin Philharmonic) p.m.), KUSC-FM (91.5).

8-10 p.m.—Evening Concert, KMZT- FM (105.1). 9 p.m.-midnight—Opera House, KCSN-FM (88.5). POP-COUNTRY FOLK-JAZZ 10 a.m.-1 p.m.—Global Village FM (90.7). 10 p.m.-midnight—Chocolate City, KCRW-FM (89.9). NEWS-COMMENTARY Continuous KFWB (980), KNX (1070).

3-9 a.m.—Morning Edition, KCRW- FM (89.9), KPCC-FM (89.3). 7-9 a.m.—The Morning Show, KPFK- FM (90.7). a.m., 11:45 a.m.-noon, p.m.—Paul Harvey, KABC (790). Noon-1 p.m.—The World, KCRW-FM (89.9). 1-2 p.m.—To the Point, KCRW-FM (89.9).

p.m.—Marketplace, KCRW- FM (89.9); p.m. and p.m., KPCC-FM (89.3). p.m.—Pacifica News, KPFK- FM (90.7). 3-4 p.m.—Fresh Air, culture, KCRW- FM (89.9); also, 7-8 p.m. KPCC-FM (89.3).

p.m.—All Things Considered, KPCC-FM (89.3); also, 4-7 p.m., KCRW- FM (89.9). 5-6 p.m.—Beneath the Surface, KPFK-FM (90.7). p.m.—Evening Update, KCSN- FM (88.5). 6-7 p.m.—Evening News, KPFK-FM (90.7). p.m.—California Focus: Local Flavor, KCSN-FM (88.5).

p.m.—Which Way, L.A.? KCRW-FM (89.9). 7-8 p.m.—Feminist Magazine, KPFK- FM (90.7). 8-9 p.m.—The Tavis Smiley Show, KPCC-FM (89.3). 9-10 p.m.—World Today, BBC newsmagazine, KPCC-FM (89.3). 10-11 p.m.—As It Happens, CBC newsmagazine, KPCC-FM (89.3).

11 p.m.-2 a.m.—BBC World Service, KPCC-FM (89.3). Radio By Mark Sachs Times Staff Writer While the womenfolk are busy in the kitchen with the dinner dishes tonight, the History Channel takes its week of programming on the road for back-to-back episodes aimed at pleasing the more testosterone-laden inhabitants. airing at 9, and following at 10, fit snugly amid a week of carefully stereotyped areas of interest such as motorcycles, James Bond gadgets and high- tech equipment. Perhaps the hunting and fishing episodes are being readied for the next week. The key word in new episodes is freedom the freedom one feels when driving a car with nothing but sky above you, as well as the freedom of just letting someone else do the driving.

Both shows explore the origins of the vehicles before moving on through the trends that have shaped their development. gets the edge because of the interesting historical tidbits tossed in along the way. From the tricked-out horse carriage owned by Napoleon to the high-security Caddy built for President Bush, which boasts features so exotic that they remain classified information, a fun ride. And a look inside the largest limo-conversion company in the world, Krystal Enterprises in Brea, is a worthwhile detour. The charm of lies more in the visuals, so much so that you could almost watch the procession of classic Duesen- bergs, Packards and Thunderbirds with the sound off and still enjoy the show.

week continues Thursday with premieres of at 9 p.m. and at 10 p.m., capped by an encore airing of on Friday at 9 p.m. The History Channel does its usual solid job with all of them. You might even invite any females in your house to take a peek. TUNED IN Ron Kimbell Photography A STRETCH: 2000 Hummer Stretch Limousine is part of the History Freedom of the open road drives back-to-back shows Reuters CHIEF TRANSPORT: This 2001 Cadillac limousine was sent to the White House six days before President Clinton left office.

SERIES Football legend: Frank Gifford is profiled on (8 p.m. Tom and Dick: controversial cancellation of the popular Smothers series in 1968 is examined in (8 p.m. Bravo). Roseanne: This episode of True Hollywood (8 p.m. profiles the comedian who turned the role of a housewife into fame, fortune and a hit series.

Singing the blues: Singer MacyGray plays asinger suffering from an illness that could end her career on p.m. ABC). SPECIALS Tree trimming: NBC continues the holiday tradition with a telecast of the 70th celebration of in Rockefeller (8 p.m. NBC). Hosted by Al Roker and Ann Curry, musical performances will include a mix of current hits along with holiday classics by Michelle Branch, Kelly Clarkson, Sheryl Crow, Josh Groban, Carly Simon, Barry Manilow and KellyRowland.

Early look: Michael Rosenbaum previews Lord of the Rings: The Two (8 p.m. WB). MOVIES He heavy: Aslow Pittsburgh garbage man (Tom Hulce) puts his twin brother (Ray Liotta) through college in and (6:30 a.m. TMC). Classic melodrama: Lana Turner and Hope Lange star in (8 a.m.

AMC). coming to get you: Duane Jones and Judith in director George A. 1968 horror classic, of the Living (11 a.m. IFC). Citizen Welles: TCMis featuring a mini-festival of director Orson best films, including of (5 p.m.), starring Welles and Charlton Heston; (7 p.m.), with Welles and Edward G.

Robinson; (9 p.m.), considered by many to be one of the best films ever; Magnificent (11:15 p.m.); and (1 a.m.). SPORTS Basketball: Lakers at Utah Jazz (6 p.m. KCAL). Highlights The Early Show Anita Baker performs. 7 a.m.

KCBS Today Billy Crystal; director Peter Jackson; Harry Connick Jr. performs. 7 a.m. KNBC KTLA Morning News Lauren Hutton; Nicolas Cage. 7 a.m.

KTLA Good Morning America Whitney Houston; obsessive-compulsive disorders; Wolfgang Puck makes holiday cupcakes. 7 a.m. KABC The Caroline Rhea Show Zach Braff comedian Kathy Griffin performer Laura Pausini. 8 a.m. KCAL Martha Stewart Living Athrow made of polar fleece; chef John Barricelli bakes his famous biscotti.

9 a.m. KCBS Maury Young women get the results of paternity tests. 9 a.m. KTLA Live With Regis and Kelly Performer Josh Groban; actor Andy Richter; NASCAR driver Tony Stewart; shopping for the holidays with Leo Laporte. 9 a.m.

KABC The John Walsh Show Con men use charm, charisma and fake credentials to rob their victims financially and emotionally. 10 a.m. KNBC Jerry Springer Springer Cam adventures: wedding; woman sleeps with a bullhorn on her former porch; hairy situation; a woman finds her boyfriend naked at another apartment. 10 a.m. KTLA The View Jerry Lewis; actor Jay Thomas.

10 a.m. KABC The Wayne Brady Show Lauren Hutton; musician Cyndi Lauper. 10 a.m. KCAL Good Day Live Celebrity birthdays; new Style File. 10 a.m.

KTTV The Other Half Quick-sex etiquette; freezing eggs; feelings. 3 p.m. KNBC Montel Williams Long interrogations often draw confessions from innocent children. 3 p.m. KCOP Donahue Homosexual athletes.

5 and 8 p.m. MSNBC Life Times Tonight School on Wheels; California artist Sandow Birk. 7 p.m. KCET Charlie Rose Actors Meryl Streep, Nicolas Cage and Chris Cooper discuss their new film, 11 p.m. KCET The Tonight Show With Jay Leno Dennis Miller; musical guest John Mayer.

11:35 p.m. KNBC Up Close Garry Trudeau, creator of the comic strip. (Part 2 of 2). 12:05 a.m. KABC The Late Late Show With Craig Kilborn Kiefer Sutherland; actress Emily Procter; Uncle Kracker performs.

(R) 12:35 a.m. KCBS Late Night With Conan Sarah Michelle Gellar; Larry Hagman; musical group the Hives. (R) 12:35 a.m. KNBC Last Call With Carson Daly Harvey Keitel; Tracy Chapman. (R) 1:35 a.m.

KNBC Listings include talk shows that provide a guest list. Talk Shows By Noel Holston Newsday used to mean MTV. Now the term could be applied to almost any prime- time dramatic series and some sitcoms as well. From to from to more weekly TV shows are downplaying traditional orchestral underscoring and salting their soundtracks with rock, pop and hip-hop tunes by groups ranging from the rich and famous to the unknown and hopeful. The playlists of most radio stations are tame and monotonous by comparison.

Tony Soprano made his fourth-season entrance waddling down his driveway to the calamitous yowl of by Afrika Bambaataa and former Sex Pistol John Lydon. On West President Bartlet strode rain-soaked and resolute to a pivotal news conference to Dire in Feet artfully folds in recordings as agonized as PJ Time Too and as campy as Julie sultry take on bubble-gum rocker Yummy Last Humanitas Prize-winning episode of in which its three young doctors each lost a patient, gained emotional impact from a montage set to John rendition of a Leonard Cohen song called Classic rock tunes by the Who ignite the opening credits of Crime Scene and its new, Miami-based spinoff, but their episodic music leans heavily toward current bands such as the Wallflowers and Euphoria. is a haven for folkies and soft rockers such as Shawn Colvin and Dar Williams. The list could go on and on. The producers of license up to 100 songs existing recorded material per 13-episode arc.

Several series have in-house tunesmiths to provide situation- and character-specific originals. employs Grant- Lee Phillips, late of alt-rocker Grant Lee Buffalo, and folk-pop singer-songwriter Sam Phillips. Her husband, T-Bone Burnett, Grammy-winning mastermind of the rootsy Brother, Where Art movie soundtrack, is doing similar chores for Ten years ago, such musical adventurousness was unusual. Twenty years ago, it was unthinkable. TV was still in the phase in which a musical elements consisted of a catchy opening theme and orchestral underscoring that most viewers scarcely noticed.

Now, the oddities are shows like that rely largely on orchestral scoring. Now, cover tunes are risky business. Now, production budgets reflect the necessity of even though the license fee for a song can run from $2,000 to $20,000. a kid is blasting music in his room and a cheap rip-off of something, just not going to have the same effect as if really blasting Kottonmouth Kings or says Ann Kline, who helps producer-writer John Wells choose source music for West and his new The shift started gradually. (1984-89) broke the history of TV music in half, turning cop action into music videos to the beat of big-time rock hits such as Phil in the Wonder (1988-93) shrewdly incorporated pop hits from the (1990-95) set the pattern for many of shows, using a quirky radio station and the jukebox at a local bar to work everything from Nat King Cole to Lynyrd Skynyrd into its soundtrack.

There are many reasons why the trend has snowballed, but it mainly comes down to running the shows and the networks. men and women who cut their teeth on rock and soul and, in some cases, were potty-trained to MTV. incredibly, psychotically passionate about says Bill Lawrence, producer of of his staff and cast. generally start every day with somebody having a CD or a song they want everybody to says Amy Sherman- Palladino, producer of fun that had this song in your head that loved for 100 years, and now you get to, like, put it on and do a great scene around it. music industry is very confused right now.

very closed off. Young people especially get exposed to a range of different kinds of music unless they have someone in their family, an older sister or brother or Mom or Dad or someone, say, why you listen to I can infuse a little bit of something else in my own crazy, little, tiny way and maybe have four people go, kind of a good Yes, on a mission from God or at least Apollo, the god of music. But more to this sea change than kids loose in the candy factory. also surprise, surprise about marketing. and foremost, something people see as another selling Lawrence says.

in tune with how big adeal pop could be until we started doing it, and the most hits on our Web site the day after a show aired were, was that song, and how can we get People are music freaks, especially the demographic the networks are looking to Noel Holston writes about television for Newsday, a Tribune company. TV shows follow a different beat More series are using rock, pop and hip-hop to score with viewers. To donate time or 1-877-READBY9. latimes.com/readingby9.