Fox News Channel (FNC) dominated April ratings, outperforming broadcast networks ABC and NBC in weekday prime-time and achieving the highest-rated first 100 days of any administration in cable news history, according to Nielsen Media Research.
In weekday prime-time, Fox averaged 3.1 million viewers, surpassing ABC’s 2.9 million and NBC’s 2.8 million, ranking second across all television networks. Year-to-date, Fox holds second place with 3.5 million viewers, ahead of NBC’s 3.1 million and ABC’s 3 million. Across total day, Fox continued to lead among Democrats, Independents, and Republicans, as well as Asian, Hispanic, and upscale viewers.
During the first 100 days of the current administration, Fox averaged 1.9 million total-day viewers (up 47 percent from 2021 and 12 percent from 2017) and 3 million in prime-time (up 25 percent and 8 percent, respectively). Meanwhile, CNN and MSNBC suffered steep declines, with CNN losing nearly 60 percent of its audience compared to the start of the Biden administration.
Flagship programs continued their strong performance. Special Report with Bret Baier drew over 3 million viewers and outperformed CBS, ABC, and NBC evening news shows in numerous major markets. April also marked CBS Evening News’ worst month ever in both total viewers and the key 25-54 demographic.
Late-night standout “Gutfeld!” led all competitors with 3.1 million viewers and 375,000 in the 25-54 demo, beating Colbert, Kimmel, Fallon, and others across the board.
Fox’s April prime-time lineup (8 to 11 p.m. ET) averaged 2.6 million viewers and 296,000 in the 25-54 demo—up 31 percent and 35 percent year-over-year. In total day, Fox saw 1.6 million viewers and 202,000 in the demo, growing 28 percent and 29 percent respectively. Fox commanded 60 percent of the cable news audience in both categories.
“The Five” continued its streak, drawing 4.1 million viewers and 447,000 in the demo, outperforming top-rated broadcast shows like “NCIS: Sydney” and “Law & Order.” “The Ingraham Angle,” “Jesse Watters Primetime,” and “Hannity” also posted strong numbers, each averaging around 3 million viewers.
In the mornings, Fox & Friends extended its lead as the top morning cable news show for 50 consecutive months, averaging 1.4 million viewers. Daytime shows like America’s Newsroom, The Faulkner Focus, and Outnumbered all drew near or above 2 million viewers.
Weekends remained strong as well. “Life, Liberty & Levin” led Saturday ratings with 1.5 million viewers, while Sunday’s Sunday Morning Futures topped the weekend with 1.8 million viewers. Other programs like “My View with Lara Trump,” “The Big Weekend Show,” and “One Nation with Brian Kilmeade” continued Fox’s weekend dominance.
Fox has now delivered the top 980 cable news telecasts since Election Day and led every weekday program in year-over-year growth.
The Fox News Channel is operated by Fox News Media, a unit of Fox Corporation. ABC is owned by the Walt Disney Company. NBC and MSNBC are part of Comcast’s NBC Universal. CNN is owned by Warner Bros Discovery.
