The Fox News Channel continued to outpace its broadcast rivals during the second quarter of 2025, beating ABC and NBC in total viewers and overtaking CBS for the month of June, according to Nielsen data.
During the quarter, Fox News averaged 3.015 million viewers and 350,000 in the key 25-54 demographic, edging past ABC’s 2.977 million and NBC’s 2.704 million. The network also saw 1.8 million total-day viewers and 223,000 in the demo, marking its second-highest-rated second quarter ever, behind only 2020.
Fox News captured more than 60 percent of the cable news audience, claiming 62 percent of viewers in total day and 63 percent in prime-time. It also led among Hispanic and Asian viewers in total day and was the fastest-growing network in prime-time among both total viewers and the 25-54 demo.
The channel was the top destination for breaking news coverage, including the U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear facilities and the death of Pope Francis. During the week of the Iran strike, Fox News delivered 3.3 million prime-time viewers, beating NBC (2.4 million), CBS (2.1 million), and ABC (1.9 million), and led in the 25-54 demo with 425,000 viewers.
For the month of June, Fox News posted 3.1 million viewers and 370,000 in prime-time demo. It topped CBS (2.1 million and 341,000) and beat NBC in total viewership. Fox News also saw 1.7 million in total day (+27 percent year-over-year) and 220,000 in the demo (+38 percent), making it the network’s second-best June on record.
Primed for Prime-Time
Programs like The Five remained standouts, continuing its run as the most-watched, non prime-time cable news show for 15 consecutive quarters with nearly 4 million viewers and a 52 percent year-over-year increase in the demo. Special Report with Bret Baier drew 3 million viewers and 360,000 in the demo, beating CBS Evening News in key markets and on several nights. Baier’s interview with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reached a total audience of 30 million across platforms.
In prime-time, The Ingraham Angle, Jesse Watters Primetime, and Hannity each posted strong numbers. Gutfeld!, airing at 10 p.m. ET, continued to lead all of late-night television, averaging 3 million viewers and 365,000 in the 25-54 demo—beating programs on CBS, ABC, NBC, and Comedy Central.
For the full week (Monday–Sunday), Fox News averaged 1.63 million total viewers (+25 percent) and 202,000 in the demo (+31 percent). Prime-time averaged 2.63 million (+25 percent) and 304,000 in 25-54 (+34 percent). By contrast, CNN had its worst quarter on record with just 71,000 demo viewers in total day and 105,000 in prime-time.
Daytime programming also remained dominant. America’s Newsroom, The Faulkner Focus, Outnumbered, America Reports, The Story, and The Will Cain Show all surpassed broadcast competitors like CBS Mornings, NBC’s Today Third Hour, and ABC’s GMA3.
The Fox & Friends franchise held the top spot among morning shows, with Fox & Friends averaging 1.4 million viewers and 185,000 in the demo. Fox & Friends First and Fox & Friends Weekend also led their time slots.
On weekends, Fox News continued to outperform CNN and MSNBC combined. The Big Weekend Show, Fox News Live, Life, Liberty & Levin, Fox News Saturday Night, and newcomer My View with Lara Trump were among the most-watched programs. Sunday mornings remained strong with Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo and MediaBuzz, while Sunday Night in America, Life, Liberty & Levin, and One Nation with Brian Kilmeade all led in prime-time.
Fox Business Network also remained competitive, but Fox News Channel’s continued dominance secured its position as the most-watched cable news network for 94 consecutive quarters, a streak that began in 2002.
