When looking at these networks’ performance during the same period a year ago:
- During primetime, Fox News was up +25% in total viewers and +12% in the A25-54 demo. During total day, the network posted gains of +15% in total viewers but was down by -3% in the demo—the only network with declines within this yearly comparison.
- MS NOW was up +7% in total viewers and +36% in the demo. During total day, the network was up +15% in total viewers and +36% in the demo.
- In primetime, CNN grew by +99% in total viewers and +68% in the demo. During total day, it rose by +49% in total viewers and +38% in the demo.
PROGRAMMING:
Fox News had 13 out of the 15 spots of the most-watched cable news shows of the week. The Five, airing weekdays at 5 p.m. ET, stayed at the top with 3.642 million total viewers. MS NOW had The Rachel Maddow Show, which airs only on Mondays at 9 p.m. ET, in seventh place with 2.401 million total viewers. The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell, airing weeknights at 10 p.m. ET, drew 1.466 million total viewers, placing 15th.
Fox News’ Gutfeld! finished on top in the Adults 25-54 demo, averaging 314,000 viewers at 10 p.m. ET on weeknights. Within this demo, Fox News also held 13 of the 15 top spots; MS NOW’s The Rachel Maddow Show, airing only on Mondays at 9 p.m. ET, landed in third place with 283,000 demo viewers. Also taking the final spot in the demo was The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell, airing weeknights at 10 p.m. ET with 136,000 demo viewers.
April 20, 2026 (Nielsen Big Data + Panel):
Prime Time
| Fox News | MS NOW | CNN | |
| • Total Viewers: | 2,921,000 | 1,269,000 | 895,000 |
| • A25-54: | 279,000 | 136,000 | 143,000 |
Total Day
| Fox News | MS NOW | CNN | |
| • Total Viewers: | 1,734,000 | 730,000 | 580,000 |
| • A25-54: | 169,000 | 79,000 | 83,000 |
