Fox News Secures Second Consecutive Summer Prime-Time Dominance Over Broadcast Networks

The hosts of the summer’s highest-rated show, Fox News Channel’s ‘The Five’

Fox News

Fox News Channel demonstrated dominant viewership throughout the summer, claiming the top position in weekday prime time for June, July, and August. This achievement marked a notable shift compared to traditional broadcast networks—ABC, CBS, and NBC—and positioned the cable network ahead of all competitors for the second consecutive summer season.

In August, Fox News averaged 2.13 million viewers in weekday prime time, significantly outpacing MSNBC (940,000) and CNN (624,000). The network’s highest-performing show during the month was The Five, which attracted 3.28 million total viewers. Other top-rated programs included Jesse Watters Primetime (2.88 million), Gutfeld! (2.5 million), Special Report with Bret Baier (2.4 million), and Hannity (2.34 million), all airing on Fox News Channel.

Broadcast Networks Hit Historic Low Points

Over the three-month period, Fox News maintained its lead with an average of 2.56 million viewers in weekday prime time. NBC ranked second with 2.5 million, followed by ABC (2.3 million) and CBS (2 million). Traditionally, broadcast networks have dominated prime time through entertainment and sports programming, yet shifting audience habits have contributed to Fox News’ sustained rise. CBS recorded its lowest-rated August on record, while ABC experienced its poorest performance in weekday prime for the month.

ABC and CBS faced significant challenges, with ABC reaching an all-time low in August among adults 25-54—the coveted advertising demographic—averaging just 344,000 viewers. CBS’s CBS Mornings delivered its second-lowest-rated month ever (1.6 million viewers), and CBS Evening News failed to surpass 4 million viewers for the fifth consecutive month.

Fox News Expands Prime-Time Influence Beyond Traditional Hours

Of the top five programs, only two—Hannity and Jesse Watters Primetime—air during conventional prime time hours (8 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET), highlighting Fox News’ growing reach across multiple dayparts. The Five (5 p.m. ET), Special Report (6 p.m. ET), and Gutfeld! (late night) also contribute to the network’s broader programming success.

The Five maintained its top position in summer ratings, outperforming established hits like NBC’s American Ninja Warrior. Jesse Watters Primetime also garnered attention for its August 24 interview with Democratic Michigan Senate candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, which drew 3.3 million viewers across all broadcast networks—including 3.7 million in the first half-hour and 332,000 in the key 25-54 demographic.

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