Cable News Ratings: Fox News Leads and MS NOW Gains (Week of May 25, 2026)
The cable news landscape emerged from the Memorial Day holiday weekend with divergent performance metrics across the three major networks. While total viewership numbers shifted, MS NOW distinguished itself as the only network to achieve growth in specific measured categories across both primetime and total day viewing.
The network recorded notable week-to-week growth within the Adults 25-54 demographic, a segment highly valued by advertisers. This trend contrasts with other networks that saw mixed results in total reach versus demographic engagement.
Market Leadership and Demographic Shifts
Fox News maintained its position as the leader in total primetime viewership, averaging 2.299 million total viewers for the week of May 25. This represents a 2% increase in total viewers compared to the week of May 18.
However, the network faced a decline in the advertiser-coveted A25-54 demographic, which fell by 12% to 183,000 viewers during primetime. In total day viewing, Fox News averaged 1.448 million total viewers and 130,000 demo viewers, reflecting declines of 4% and 6%, respectively.
Strategic Growth for MS NOW and CNN
MS NOW showed significant strength in demographic growth despite a 4% dip in total primetime viewers, which averaged 881,000. The network saw a 23% increase in the A25-54 demo during primetime, reaching 100,000 viewers.
Similarly, MS NOW’s total day performance included a 2% gain in the demo, averaging 57,000 viewers. The network currently ranks third in total primetime viewers and tied for 11th place in the total day demo alongside the Disney Channel.
CNN averaged 590,000 total primetime viewers and 108,000 A25-54 viewers. While total primetime viewers declined by 1%, the network saw a 3% increase in the demo during total day viewing, averaging 69,000 viewers.
Year-Over-Year Performance Analysis
Long-term data reveals a shifting trajectory when comparing the week of May 25 to the same period last year. Fox News was the only network to register declines in this yearly comparison, with primetime demo viewers falling by 24% and total day demo viewers dropping by 26%.
In contrast, CNN saw substantial growth, with primetime total viewers increasing by 58% and the demo surging by 77%. MS NOW also posted gains, increasing primetime total viewers by 23% and the demo by 54% over the previous year.
Programming Highlights
The programme The Five led the market, averaging 3.33 million total viewers and 285,000 demo viewers at 5 p.m. ET. Fox News held 12 of the top 15 spots in the A25-54 demo.
Other notable performances included The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell (MS NOW), which ranked 15th in total viewers with 1.194 million. CNN’s The Source with Kaitlan Collins placed 8th in the demo with 161,000 viewers, while CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip ranked 14th with 142,000 demo viewers.
Future Outlook
Given the current trends, networks may focus on programming shifts to recapture lost demographic shares. MS NOW could potentially leverage its demo growth to improve its overall cable ranking, while Fox News may seek ways to stabilize its A25-54 viewership to match its total viewer dominance.
CNN’s significant year-over-year growth suggests a possible upward trajectory in total reach, though its recent slip from eighth to ninth in the total day demo indicates that maintaining those gains may remain a challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which network led in total primetime viewership for the week of May 25?
Fox News led with an average of 2.299 million total viewers.
How did MS NOW perform in the A25-54 demo during primetime?
MS NOW saw a 23% increase in the A25-54 demo compared to the previous week, averaging 100,000 viewers.
Which specific show was the most-watched cable news programme of the week?
The Five on Fox News was the top programme, averaging 3.33 million total viewers.
How do you think shifts in demographic viewership will impact the future of cable news programming?