CNN finished April with solid performance across its cable, digital, and streaming platforms, according to data from Nielsen Media Research, Comscore and other sources.
For the fourth consecutive month, CNN ranked in the top five most-watched cable networks in total day among viewers aged 2 and up (P2+), placing fourth, and ranked eighth among viewers aged 25 to 54 (P25-54). In weekday prime-time, CNN grew its P25-54 audience by 8 percent year-over-year, rising from 113,000 to 122,000 viewers. (Fox News continued to dominate across all cable networks during the month.)
Among total viewers, CNN secured a top 10 spot in prime-time (seventh overall) for the fourth straight month. Key programs like “Erin Burnett OutFront,” “NewsNight with Abby Phillip,” and “Laura Coates Live” saw audience growth in the P25-54 demographic. NewsNight with Abby Phillip stood out as CNN’s highest-rated show among P25-54 viewers for the third month in a row. The program grew 31 percent year-over-year in that demographic (103,000 to 135,000) and gained 12 percent in total viewership (510,000 to 573,000). Daytime performance was also strong, with CNN ranking third among P2+ viewers and fourth among P25-54.
CNN’s political programming delivered significant audience boosts in April, particularly with two town halls. CNN Town Hall with Bernie Sanders (April 9, 9 p.m. ET) ranked fourth in its time slot among P2+ and rose 37 percent in viewership compared to the prior four Wednesdays (880,000 vs. 644,000). Among P25-54, it ranked sixth and saw an 18 percent increase (168,000 vs. 142,000). CNN Town Hall: America Asks Congress (April 10, 9 p.m. ET) ranked sixth in total viewers (624,000) and ninth among P25-54 (134,000).
CNN’s topical entertainment block on Saturday nights also performed well. “Have I Got News For You” (HIGNFY), airing at 9 p.m. ET from February 15 to April 19, ended its second season as CNN’s second most-watched program in April among total viewers. The show averaged 103,000 viewers in the P25-54 demographic, up 9 percent from its first season, and delivered a 25 percent lift over its lead-in. Among total viewers, HIGNFY rose 66 percent compared to the prior four Saturdays (722,000 vs. 435,000). With “Real Time with Bill Maher” at 8 p.m. ET and HIGNFY one hour later, CNN became a top cable destination on Saturday nights, ranking sixth overall during the 8-10 PM window. The network improved its Saturday night ranking by eight places compared to the same time last year, and overall viewership on Saturdays grew 42 percent year-over-year (770,000 vs. 542,000).
Digitally, CNN also saw strong momentum. March marked the highest number of minutes spent per visitor since CNN.com launched its subscription model in October 2024. Month-over-month, March saw a 6 percent increase in engagement as CNN focused on deepening relationships with digital subscribers. These figures are based on the most recent domestic Comscore data available.
