The Los Angeles Times from Los Angeles, California • Page 22

2003:02:20:15:31:02 TELEVISION RADIO The investigators of Crime Scene fought off strong challenges by Homer Simpson, Al Bundy and to top the television ratings for the week of Feb. 10-16, based on viewing estimates issued Thursday by Nielsen Media Research. The ratings were delayed due to the Presidents Day holiday. An original episode Feb. 13 of top-rated series, held off Fox specials on Sunday, including the 300th episode of and a reunion, which landed in the top 10.

However, Fox came out on top in the valued 18-49 demographic (the age group most prized by advertisers) with the penultimate will most likely be dethroned this week, in the face of the finales of and and network specials about singer Michael Jackson. Displaying considerable strength is and which has male and female teams facing off against each other. But other midseason shows, including and The and are struggling, and the premiere of unscripted You scored lukewarm ratings. which had cooled in its second week, bounced back a bit with its third episode. Braxton proves its case again Here are the rankings for national prime-time network television last week (Feb.

10-16) 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 CSICBS27.21 2 Joe MillionaireFOX24.06 3 Survivor: AmazonCBS23.26 4 The Simpsons (8:30 p.m.) FOX22.03 5 The SimpsonsFOX21.31 --------------------------------------------6 FriendsNBC20.85 7 ERNBC20.59 8 American Idol 9 With Children FOX19.16 10 Friends (8:30 p.m.)NBC19.09 --------------------------------------------11 American Idol 12 Will GraceNBC18.71 13 Law OrderNBC18.38 14 Everybody Loves Raymond CBS18.05 15 Fear FactorNBC17.80 --------------------------------------------16 CSI: MiamiCBS17.51 17 Men Tell ABC17.16 18 60 MinutesCBS15.50 19 The Simpsons (7:30 p.m.) FOX15.06 20 Law Order: Criminal Intent NBC14.82 --------------------------------------------21 Law Order: SVUNBC14.51 22 Yes, DearCBS14.01 23 Judging AmyCBS13.90 24 Still StandingCBS13.81 25 The West WingNBC13.59 --------------------------------------------26 JAGCBS13.54 27 King of QueensCBS13.48 28 Music 29 30 FrasierNBC12.78 --------------------------------------------31 My Wife and KidsABC12.55 32 24FOX12.33 33 The GuardianCBS12.31 34 DragnetABC12.22 35 Celebrity Mole HawaiiABC12.08 --------------------------------------------36 Third WatchNBC12.00 37 That ShowFOX11.97 38 Everybody Loves Raymond (Sun.) CBS11.88 39 Is Right: Million 40 BeckerCBS11.33 --------------------------------------------41 Funniest Home Videos ABC11.25 42 George LopezABC11.22 43 NYPD BlueABC10.95 44 The DistrictCBS10.86 45 60 Minutes IICBS10.76 --------------------------------------------46 Crossing JordanNBC10.70 47 Bernie Mac ShowFOX10.66 8 SimpleRules 49 Funniest Home Videos (9 p.m.) ABC10.33 50 Game Show Moments NBC10.25 --------------------------------------------51 52 Are You 53 Dateline NBC 54 According to JimABC9.81 55 KingpinNBC9.79 --------------------------------------------56 Boston PublicFOX9.63 57 48 Hours InvestigatesCBS9.61 58 American DreamsNBC9.30 59 7th HeavenWB9.27 60 EdNBC9.26 --------------------------------------------61 The AgencyCBS9.18 62 Law Order: SVU 63 Cedric the Entertainer: Presents FOX9.10 64 King of the HillFOX8.90 65 HackCBS8.87 --------------------------------------------66 Law Order 67 Law Order: Criminal Intent (Sat.) NBC8.83 68 Kingpin 69 A.U.S.A.NBC8.48 70 Touched by an AngelCBS8.40 --------------------------------------------71 Show Moments (Sun.) NBC8.32 72 Most WantedFOX8.18 73 Cops (8:30 p.m.)FOX8.16 74 Less Than PerfectABC7.99 75 The PracticeABC7.66 --------------------------------------------76 Life With BonnieABC7.55 77 SmallvilleWB7.43 78 to 79 Primetime ThursdayABC7.32 80 CopsFOX7.28 --------------------------------------------81 Without a TraceCBS7.26 82 First Time on 83 Veritas: The QuestABC6.51 84 MiraclesABC6.32 85 Most Memorable NBC6.25 --------------------------------------------86 87 ABC5.96 88 EverwoodWB5.69 89 CharmedWB5.60 90 John DoeFOX5.36 --------------------------------------------91 Gilmore GirlsWB5.19 92 Joe Millionaire 93 RebaWB5.02 94 WWE 95 EnterpriseUPN4.78 --------------------------------------------96 FastlaneFOX4.67 97 GirlfriendsUPN4.37 98 CreekWB4.24 Buffy the Vampire SlayerUPN4.24 100 One on OneUPN3.95 --------------------------------------------101 Half and HalfUPN3.81 102 High School ReunionWB3.77 103 The ParkersUPN3.71 104 AngelWB3.69 105 Greetings From TucsonWB3.56 --------------------------------------------106 Sabrina, Teenage WitchWB3.35 107 What I Like About YouWB3.17 108 Gilmore Girls: BeginningsWB2.85 109 PulseFOX2.79 110 Jamie KennedyWB2.56 --------------------------------------------111 Twilight ZoneUPN2.31 112 Deadly 113 AbbyUPN2.01 114 Girlfriends 115 Surreal LifeWB1.67 --------------------------------------------116 High School Reunion (Thu.) WB1.32 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 CBS13.6112.83 NBC12.3011.87 FOX11.889.63 ABC9.8610.75 WB4.524.33 UPN3.513.71 Los Angeles Times National Television Rankings By Mark Sachs Times Staff Writer In the past, they were intimidated, frustrated and maybe even frightened by the sheer ugliness that surrounded them. But homeowners today can rest a little easier knowing that a trio of style-driven superheroes has arrived on the scene prepared to take on the vilest home-decorating challenge, one room at a time. And on a budget to boot. on a hosted by interior designer Sam Kivett and colleagues Summer Baltzer and Charles Burbridge, rocketed out of the gate with record ratings (by HGTV standards) in its debut after the Rose Parade coverage last month, and it has continued to do well in its regular time slot Mondays at 7 p.m.

Tonight the program gets a two-hour showcase of four repeat episodes beginning at 6 p.m., with the programming block repeating at 9. Kivett, who bears a passing resemblance to Ryan Seacrest if the latter was ever introduced to a comb, opens the show by interviewing the subjects about their design dilemmas. Tonight, the problems include an achingly bland living room, a mismatched bedroom, a multipurpose area that screams out for cohesiveness, and a couple looking to incorporate their dreamy European honeymoon into their bedroom design. Then the team gets to work, and on a budget of just $1,000 per case. Kivett calls in Baltzer, a crack decorator with cover-girl looks, and Burbridge, a teddy- bear of a man a master of design solutions.

The three huddle, come up with a game plan, and presto, everyone lives happily ever after. In the glut of make-over shows now on the air, on stands out for the amiable efficiency of its team and its eye on pleasing the homeowners, not surprising them. TUNED IN Jay Lawrence Goldman LENDING A HAND: Summer Baltzer, left, Charles Burbridge and Sam Kivett on on a follows a winning design TIPS FOR TODAY 10-11 a.m.—Morning Symphony: Duke Ellington of a original soundtrack), KCSN-FM (88.5). p.m.—Talk of the City With Kitty Felde: of the Midnight Special Bookstore in Santa (11:15 p.m.); Art Affect p.m.), KPCC-FM (89.3). 9 a.m.-noon—Morning Becomes Eclectic: Film director Alan Parker Life of David (11 a.m.-noon), KCRW-FM (89.9).

4-8 p.m.—Duffy and Conservative activist Phyllis Schlafly p.m.), KKLA-FM (99.5). DRAMA-COMEDY- FAMILY p.m., a.m.—Gunsmoke: KNX (1070). p.m., a.m.—The Shadow: The Shadow investigates insurance fraud and murder, KNX (1070). CLASSICAL 2-3 p.m.—Cost-Conscious Classix: Delius (Concerto for Piano and Orchestra, pianist Benno monia Orchestra), KCSN-FM (88.5). 3-7 p.m.—Mark Sheldon: Mozart (Violin Concerto No.

1, violinist Arthur Grumiaux, London Symphony Orchestra) p.m.), KUSC-FM (91.5). POP-COUNTRY- FOLK-JAZZ 6-9 a.m.—Sinbad Friends, KHHT- FM (92.3). 10 a.m.-1 p.m.—Global Village FM (90.7). 1-4 p.m.—Gary Owens, KLAC (570). 4-7 p.m.—Madly Cocktail, KKJZ-FM (88.1).

7-9 p.m.—Geoffrey’s Jazz Lounge, KCSN-FM (88.5). 7-10 p.m.—The Music Never Stops, mostly Grateful Dead, KPFK-FM (90.7). 7-11 p.m.—Jazz on the Latin Side, with Jose Rizo, KKJZ-FM (88.1). p.m.—Metropolis, KCRW-FM (89.9). 9 p.m.-midnight—Kahuna’s Greenroom, surf music, KCSN-FM (88.5).

10 p.m.-midnight—Chocolate City, KCRW-FM (89.9). 10 p.m.-1 a.m.—Divine Forces, hip- hop, KPFK-FM (90.7). Midnight-3 a.m.—Pop Secret, KCRW- FM (89.9). Midnight-3 a.m.—John’s Attic, doo-wop, jazz, KCSN-FM (88.5). NEWS-COMMENTARY 7-8 a.m.—Radio Nation, KPFK-FM (90.7).

8-9 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.—Noon Business Hour, KFWB (980). 1-2 p.m.—To the Point, KCRW-FM (89.9). 1-2 p.m.—Business Hour, KNX (1070).

p.m.—Marketplace, KCRW- FM (89.9); p.m. and p.m., KPCC-FM (89.3). 2-3 p.m.—Hi Tech Hour, KNX (1070). p.m.— Left, Right and Center, KCRW-FM (89.9). p.m.—Free Speech Radio News, KPFK-FM (90.7).

3-4 p.m.—Studio 360, arts and culture, KCRW-FM (89.9). 3-4 p.m.—Alternative Radio, KPFK- FM (90.7). p.m.—All Things Considered, KPCC-FM (89.3); also, 4-7 p.m., KCRW- FM (89.9). 4-5 p.m.—Peacewatch, KPFK-FM (90.7). 5-6 p.m.—Beneath the Surface, KPFK-FM (90.7).

p.m.—Evening Update, KCSN- FM (88.5). p.m.—California Report, KCSN-FM (88.5). p.m.—Evening News, KPFK- FM (90.7). p.m.—Which Way, L.A.? KCRW-FM (89.9). 7-8 p.m.—Fresh Air, culture, KPCC-FM (89.3).

8-9 p.m.—Larry King: repeat of 6 p.m. CNN-TV broadcast, KFWB (980). 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). SPORTS Sports 15 and 45 minutes past the hour, KFWB (980), KNX (1070). 4-7 p.m.—Pro Hockey: Kings at Buffalo Sabres, KSPN (710). p.m.—Pro Basketball: Portland Trail Blazers at Lakers, KLAC (570). Radio By Steven Gray Washington Post LONDON On a basketball court between two Harlem brownstones, Mt.

Rushmore is redone. Alongside the likeness of George Washington sit the faces of Biggie Smalls and Tupac Shakur. Standing in front of the monument is one of hottest comedic sensations, Ali in a fire-engine-red Sean John shell-suit. America is plagued with even to da Native people. You know, what is dey asks Ali in his exaggerated mixture of working-class British, West Indian and Cockney accents.

He then tries to belt out a Native American rebel call. dem Ali is coming to America, bringing his brash, funny and sometimes offensive humor with him. Ali premieres at 12:30 a.m.tonight on HBO. Since arriving on the British scene four years ago, Ali has become a youth cultural icon, loathed by politicos, dismissed by cultural snobs as obnoxious and by black intellectuals as racist and a cultural thief. Yet his television show and movie have helped revive irony-heavy British comedy.

Ali grew popular peppering stiff Establishment figures with tawdry questions. (He once asked Gen. Alexander M. Haig the former U.S. secretary of state, it true that Reagan and Thatcher was And in the U.S.

show, he asks Dick Thornburgh, the former attorney general and Pennsylvania governor, exactly is da law of da Ali is the alter ego of creator Sacha Baron Cohen, who rarely grants interviews either as himself or his character. He did, however, make a brief appearance in video. had a contract put out on me Ali is saying by way of explaining his aversion to interviews. The man after him, he says, is Hasham who wants Ali Gpunished for having an affair with his wife. all in the head of Cohen, of course, who is just back from months of taping the HBO show in New York, Washington and Los Angeles.

Born into an affluent Jewish- Welsh North London family, the 30-something Cohen was educated at the posh School and at Cambridge, where he joined the Cambridge Footlights, a dramatic club. On a campus of individualistic, often boisterous personalities, Cohen was the class clown, louder than most. was a cultural polyglot, and the nature of Cambridge, your interests become quite says Dan Mazer, who met Cohen in grade school and is producer and co-writer of the U.S. and British versions of Ali Cohen, he says, developed a deep affection for hip-hop culture, listening to music and studying black hip-hoppers and the white kids who emulate them. Cohen poured it all into the Ali character, which debuted on in 1999.

Soon Ali had his own award-winning show and, last year, his own movie, da Ali part of new Friday late-night lineup, is a mix of three characters: Ali Borat, a TV reporter from Kazakhstan; and Bruno, a flamboyant gay Austrian fash- ionista and ex-supermodel reporter. All three crisscross the United States exploring its culture, interviewing diverse subjects such as lesser-known designer Lloyd Klein, Ralph Nader and Newt Gingrich. six-episode show has changed little from the British version. To do so would dilute Ali authenticity, producers say. straight out of Cambridge British comedian Ali (real name: Sacha Baron Cohen) is bringing his brash and sometimes offensive act to HBO.

Associated Press COMING TO CABLE: Ali and his irony-heavy comedy. One of the few high-ranking women in local radio, Nancy Leichter, said leaving KKBT-FM (100.3) after nine years, during which she brought on comedian Steve Harvey to host the top-rated English-language morning show. husband and I bought a house on the Central Coast, and going to make a lifestyle Leichter, vice president and general manager of said Thursday. may stay in radio; I may do something entirely different. going to take it easy and enjoy ourselves.

adore the Beat, and Radio One parent has been an amazing company to work she said. done everything I wanted to in my career. We wanted to see what else was out She said Radio One head Alfred C. Liggins III asked her to stay on until the company finds a replacement, which she said could be three months, or could be believe in this station, and I just love she said. the other hand, looking forward to my new Carney vice president to step down latimes.com/bookstore or 1-800-246-4042 02BK006 Unique gifts.

The Early Show Michael Clarke Duncan. 7 a.m. KCBS Today Will Ferrell; Laura Linney. 7 a.m. KNBC Good Morning America Emeril Lagasse; the foster-care system.

7 a.m. KABC The View Julianne Moore. 10 a.m. KABC Oprah Winfrey Achild molester speaks candidly about his crimes. 3 p.m.

KABC Life Times Tonight Military meteorology; war correspondents. 7 p.m. KCET Late Show Peter Krause; Steven Wright. 11:35 p.m. KCBS The Tonight Show Pamela Anderson; Sommore.

11:35 p.m. KNBC The Late Late Shown Bernie Mac; Kelly Hu. 12:35 a.m. KCBS Late Night Will Ferrell; Philip Seymour Hoffman. 12:35 a.m.

KNBC Talk Shows SERIES Friends like these: Sen. Sterling (Josh Brolin) agrees to help his former college roommate (Steven Flynn) win a Treasury appointment, but it runs into trouble on (8 p.m. NBC). Dentist vs. dentist: Reba is stuck in the middle when her boss (Dan Castellaneta) and her ex-husband get into a legal battle on (9 p.m.

WB). SPECIALS Yes, deer: Focusing on one of the most beautiful animals on the continent, in (8 p.m. Discovery) follows the deer through four seasons. MOVIES Crime and punishment: Woody Allen directs and stars in the 1969 comedy the Money and (6:45 a.m. and 5:40 p.m.

TMC). Big cat: In the 1938 screwball comedy Up (9 a.m. AMC), starring Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant, is an adult leopard. block: William Holden and Gloria Swanson star in Billy 1950 classic drama (10:55 a.m. AMC).

Choirboys: Berlevag Male Choir is profiled in and (11 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. Sundance). Elementary: George C. Scott plays a mental patient who thinks that Sherlock Holmes and that his psychiatrist (Joanne Woodward) is Dr.

Watson in Might Be (8 p.m. KDOC). Gunboat diplomacy: Steve McQueen and Richard Attenborough star in Sand (8 p.m. AMC). SPORTS PGA Golf: Second round of the Nissan Open (noon, USA), from Pacific Palisades.

Highlights (1:05 a.m. ABC). Hockey: The Kings play the Buffalo Sabres (4 p.m. FSN) while the New York Rangers play the Mighty Ducks (7:30 p.m. FSN2).

Basketball: The Portland Trail Blazers visit the Lakers (7:30 p.m. FSN). Highlights CALENDAR E43 LOSANGELESTIMES Central GABRIEL IGLESIAS As Seen on Nickelodeon COMEDY NIGHT CLUB RESTAURANT Surf This: www.icehousecomedy.com 24N.Mentor 626-577-1894 FEB 27-MAR 2 RICHARDJENI MAY 23-24 THISWEEK AS SEEN ONHIS MANYHBOSPECIALS RUDYMORENO EVERY TUESDAY LATINO COMEDY SHOWCASE STARRING CRAIG SHOEMAKER CARLOS MENCIA APR 10-13 enjoy our timely delivery. For home delivery, call 1-800-426-3232. 02HD158.