Below are the cable news ratings for the second quarter of 2026.
A not-so-newsy period led to declines in total viewers and the Adults 25-54 demo for all three cable news networks during prime time and total day.
CNN saw the sharpest drop, with double-digit declines in both measured categories across the two observed dayparts.
Fox News saw its reign as the most-watched cable network continue, even with the presence of live sporting action from the NBA, NHL, and the FIFA World Cup. MS NOW finished second in total viewers, and CNN took the No. 2 spot in the demo.
Fox News Channel
According to Nielsen big data + panel, Fox News averaged 2.493 million total primetime viewers and 230,000 Adults 25-54 viewers in Q2 2026. During total day, Fox News had 1.575 million total viewers and 149,000 demo viewers.
Compared to the first quarter, Fox News was down -4% in total viewers and -13% in the demo during primetime. When looking at total day, it was also down by -8% and -13% in total viewers and the demo, respectively.
Looking at Fox News’ performance against the same quarter in 2025, total viewers were down -6%, and the demo was down -24% during primetime. In total day, it saw losses of -3% in total viewers and -26% in the demo. It was the only network in this yearly comparison to record declines.
Fox News finished the quarter in first place among all cable networks during primetime in total viewers and ranked No. 4 in the demo. During total day, Fox News was again on top in total viewers and finished in second place in the demo.
MS NOW
During Q2 2026, MS NOW averaged 1.063 million total primetime viewers and 107,000 primetime demo viewers. During total day, MS NOW had 655,000 total viewers and 67,000 A25-54 viewers.
When looking at MS NOW’s performance vs. the first quarter in 2026, it was down in total viewers and the demo by -4% and -6%, respectively, during primetime. During total day, the network was also down by -5% in total viewers and -7% in the demo.
Looking at its performance vs. the second quarter of 2025, MS NOW was up +5% in total viewers and +18% in the demo during primetime. It was also up +10% in total viewers and +18% in the demo during total day.
MS NOW remained in third place in total viewers and was tied with FX for 13th place in the demo. During total day, MS NOW continued to be in third place in total viewers and was 10th in the demo.
