Cable News Viewership Snapshot: Fox news Maintains Lead Amidst Schedule Shifts
august 17, 2025 – in the dynamic landscape of cable news, recent viewership data reveals Fox News’ continued dominance, even as programming adjustments occur. The network consistently outpaces its rivals in both total viewership and the coveted Adults 25-54 demographic, a key indicator for advertisers. This ongoing trend highlights the enduring appeal of its primetime lineup and overall content strategy.
Understanding these ratings provides insight into the preferences of the cable news audience and the competitive strategies employed by major networks like Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC. These figures are critical for advertisers and industry analysts alike, shaping content development and scheduling decisions across the sector.
Fox News Dominates Prime Time and Total Day Metrics
Fox News Channel (FNC) has once again demonstrated its strong position in the television news market. In a recent analysis, FNC secured the top spot in total viewers throughout the day and during primetime hours. The network’s ability to consistently attract a larger audience underscores its notable reach and influence.
As a notable example, during the total day, FNC garnered 1.604 million viewers, substantially higher than CNN’s 329,000 and MSNBC’s 553,000. The primetime figures further emphasize this lead, with FNC drawing 2.625 million viewers compared to CNN’s 490,000 and MSNBC’s 894,000.
Key Program Performance Highlights
within the competitive schedule, specific programs have emerged as top performers. For Fox News, “The five” consistently ranks as the evening’s top-rated show across the board. Additionally, “Gutfeld!” at 10 p.m. ET showcases robust viewership, frequently enough leading its timeslot with impressive numbers.
On CNN, “the Lead with Jake Tapper” at 5 p.m. ET was identified as the network’s highest-rated program in terms of total viewers. For MSNBC, “The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell” secured the top position for that network in total viewers on a recent Tuesday night.
Impact of Schedule Changes on Ratings
programming shifts can significantly impact viewership. The absence of Jesse Watters from his 8 p.m. ET show on Fox News reportedly led to a dip in ratings for that specific hour, pushing the program to the third position in both total viewers and the critical Adults 25-54 demographic. This illustrates the importance of consistent on-air talent and programming stability.
Viewership Data: A Closer Look
the following tables provide a detailed breakdown of viewership numbers, highlighting the performance of various programs across the three major cable news networks in both total viewers and the Adults 25-54 demographic.
| Time Slot | FNC | CNN | MSNBC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 PM | Cain: 221 | Hunt: 77 | Wallace: 155 |
| 5 PM | Five: 332 | Tapper: 85 | Wallace: 128 |
| 6 PM | Baier: 226 | Tapper: 73 | The Beat: 60 |
| 7 PM | Ingraham Angle: 264 | Outfront: 76 | Weeknight: 67 |
| 8 PM | Primetime: 290 | Cooper: 86 | Hayes: 64 |
| 9 PM | Hannity: 259 | Collins: 112 | Psaki: 67 |
| 10 PM | Gutfeld!: 327 | Phillip: 91 | O’Donnell: 112 |
| 11 PM | Gallagher: 187 | Coates: 54 | Ruhle: 62 |
| time Slot | FNC | CNN | MSNBC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 PM | Cain: 1,972 | Hunt: 426 | Wallace: 1,022 |
| 5 PM | Five: 3,332 | Tapper: 511 | Wallace: 981 |
| 6 PM | baier: 2,385 | Tapper: 433 | The Beat: 687 |
| 7 PM | Ingraham Angle: 2,463 | outfront: 451 | Weeknight: 577 |
| 8 PM | Primetime: 2,641 | Cooper: 509 | Hayes: 604 |
| 9 PM | Hannity: 2,422 | Collins: 503 | Psaki: 831 |
| 10 PM | Gutfeld!: 2,811 | Phillip: 457 | O’Donnell: 1,246 |
| 11 PM | Gallagher: 1,420 | Coates: 267 | ruhle: 612 |
Evergreen Insights: Navigating the Cable News Landscape
The consistent performance of Fox News underscores a broader trend in media consumption: the enduring power of established brands and targeted content. Understanding cable news ratings is more than just tracking numbers; its about recognizing audience loyalty and the factors that drive engagement.
Did You Know? The Adults 25-54 demographic is often considered the most valuable for advertisers because it represents the prime consumer age group. Networks that consistently deliver this audience can command higher advertising rates.
Pro Tip: For advertisers looking to reach a broad, engaged audience, understanding the strengths of each network in different time slots and demographics is crucial for campaign success. Researching the specific audience profiles of shows like ‘The Five’ or ‘The Lead with Jake Tapper’ can inform media buying decisions.
The competitive nature of cable news means that networks are constantly vying for viewer attention. Factors such as breaking news events, election cycles, and changes in on-air talent can all influence viewership trends. Staying informed about these shifts is key to understanding the media landscape.
For reliable and up-to-date information on cable news, consult industry standard sites like Nielsen Holdings, which provides authoritative viewership data.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cable News Ratings
what are the latest cable news ratings?
Recent viewership data indicates Fox News continues to lead in overall viewers and key demographics, with shows like ‘The Five’ and ‘Gutfeld!’ consistently drawing large audiences. CNN’s highest-rated program was ‘The Lead with Jake Tapper,’ while MSNBC’s ‘The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell’ secured the top spot for that network.
which Fox News shows perform best in the ratings?
Based on recent reports, ‘The Five’ stands out as a top performer for Fox News, frequently enough leading in total viewers. ‘Gutfeld!’ also demonstrates strong performance figures, frequently ranking high in viewership.
How did Jesse Watters’ absence affect Fox News ratings?
Jesse Watters’ absence from his 8 p.m. ET program reportedly caused a dip, pushing the show to the third position in total viewers and the Adults 25-54 demographic for Fox News on that particular day.
who are the leading anchors on CNN and MSNBC?
Jake Tapper’s ‘The Lead’ was CNN’s top-rated show in total viewers. For MSNBC, Lawrence O’Donnell’s ‘The Last Word’ was the highest-rated program in total viewers.
What are the key demographic metrics for cable news?
Cable news viewership is frequently enough analyzed by total viewers and the crucial Adults 25-54 demographic, which is highly sought after by advertisers. Fox News consistently leads in both these metrics.
What are your thoughts on these cable news ratings? Which shows do you find yourself tuning into regularly? share your opinions in the comments below!
