In an era where news scrolls endlessly across screens, cable news ratings serve as a barometer for public interest, trust, and the evolving media landscape. As of December 2025, cable news ratings continue to reflect a polarized America, with Fox News maintaining its iron grip on viewership while competitors like CNN and MSNBC now rebranded as MS NOW grapple with post-election slumps and strategic pivots. But why are these cable news ratings shifting so dramatically? From the lingering echo of the 2024 election to the rise of streaming and digital alternatives, these changes aren’t just numbers they signal how viewers are redefining what “news” means in their daily lives.
This matters more than ever. With tv ratings influencing everything from ad revenue to programming decisions, shifts in cable news ratings today can reshape narratives and accountability. For instance, when fox cable news ratings today soar amid political turbulence, it amplifies certain voices, potentially sidelining others. Viewers deserve to understand these trends: Are they tuning out fatigue, or tuning in for validation? In this deep dive, we’ll unpack the latest data, including cable news ratings this week and cable news ratings yesterday, explore the drivers behind the flux, and examine what it spells for the future of informed discourse. Buckle up because in cable news, the only constant is change.
The Current Landscape: A Snapshot of Cable News Ratings in December 2025
December 2025 has been a tale of dominance and decline in the cable news arena. Fox News continues to lead the pack, capturing the lion’s share of eyeballs as holiday distractions compete with breaking political stories. According to recent Nielsen data, fox cable news ratings this week averaged 2.38 million primetime viewers, underscoring the network’s unyielding appeal to conservative audiences seeking commentary on everything from economic policies to cultural flashpoints.
Contrast that with the struggles of its rivals. CNN cable news ratings for the week hovered around 538,000 primetime viewers, a flat performance from Q3 but still down 42% year-over-year a stark reminder of the network’s post-election hangover. Meanwhile, MS NOW (formerly MSNBC) posted 802,000 primetime viewers, buoyed slightly by its November rebrand but down 20% from the prior quarter. These figures aren’t isolated; they echo broader tv ratings trends where linear TV viewership erodes amid cord-cutting.
For a granular look, cable news ratings yesterday (December 7, 2025) showed Fox News pulling ahead with 2.187 million primetime viewers, up 108% from the prior day, likely fueled by coverage of ongoing administration controversies. CNN lagged at 547,000, while MS NOW hit 1.513 million its strongest daily showing in weeks, thanks to a Rachel Maddow-led special. Adweek cable news ratings yesterday reports highlight how these daily spikes often tie to event-driven spikes, like Senate hearings or economic reports.
Top Performers: Breaking Down the Numbers
To visualize the hierarchy, consider the top cable news ratings for primetime in late November and early December 2025. Fox News’ “The Five” remains the juggernaut, averaging 3.6 million viewers enough to outpace broadcast rivals like CBS Evening News on some nights. Jesse Watters Primetime follows closely at 3.3 million, cementing Fox’s weekday dominance.
MS NOW’s The Rachel Maddow Show clocks in at 1.826 million weekly, its highest since the election, while CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360° manages 747,000 a respectable but underwhelming figure amid network-wide declines. These fox cable news ratings today aren’t just wins; they’re a firewall against broader industry erosion.
| Network | Primetime Total Viewers (Avg., Late Nov/Early Dec 2025) | A25-54 Demo (Avg.) | YoY Change | Key Show Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fox News | 2.38 million | 243,000 | +21% | The Five: 3.6M viewers |
| MS NOW (MSNBC) | 802,000 | 66,000 | -46% | Maddow: 1.826M weekly |
| CNN | 538,000 | 87,000 | -42% | Cooper 360°: 747K |
Fox News: The Unstoppable Force in Cable News Ratings
Fox News isn’t just winning cable news ratings it’s rewriting the playbook. In December 2025, fox cable news ratings today reflect a network that’s not only the top cable outlet for 95 straight quarters but also outdrawing broadcast giants like ABC and NBC in primetime on select nights. Averaging 1.568 million total day viewers, Fox’s secret sauce? A blend of live events, opinion firepower, and unapologetic alignment with its base.
Take Q4 projections: Fox’s primetime share hit 72% of the cable news pie post-election, per Deadline analysis. Shows like Hannity (2.8 million avg.) and Gutfeld! (3.3 million) thrive on dissecting Trump-era policies, from tariffs to immigration crackdowns. This resonance drives fox cable news ratings this week up 41% from November lows, as viewers flock for validation amid economic unease 76% now view the economy negatively, per recent Fox polls.
Yet, it’s not invincible. Demo dips (-20% in A25-54) signal challenges in attracting millennials, who prefer TikTok clips over full broadcasts. Still, Fox’s strategy doubling down on multi-platform reach, with 10.16 million YouTube views on election night positions it as the ratings anchor.
CNN and MS NOW: Navigating Declines and Rebrands
While Fox soars, cnn cable news ratings paint a picture of adaptation under pressure. December’s figures show primetime at 538,000, down from Q2’s 558,000, with total day scraping 396,000. Cable news ratings this week for CNN reveal modest gains in the demo (+2% to 59,000 A25-54), thanks to shows like NewsNight with Abby Phillip (526,000 viewers). But year-over-year? A brutal -42% in primetime, exacerbated by post-election tune-outs.
MS NOW fares marginally better, with 1.014 million primetime viewers in its rebrand debut week a 5% week-over-week bump. Rachel Maddow’s Monday slots pull 1.82 million, outpacing Fox’s Hannity for the first time since 2023. Yet, overall cable news ratings for the network dipped 38% post-election, hitting 521,000 total day. The rebrand to “My Source for News, Opinion, and the World” aimed to broaden appeal, but declines persist (-20% primetime from Q2).
Both networks’ cable news ratings yesterday (e.g., CNN’s 547,000 vs. MS NOW’s 1.513 million) underscore event-driven volatility. CNN’s digital surge topping YouTube news views in November—offers hope, but linear lags demand bolder innovation.
The Drivers Behind Shifting Cable News Ratings
What fuels these cable news ratings swings? First, political fatigue: Post-2024 election, MSNBC and CNN shed 48% and 35% in primetime, respectively, as “exhausted” liberals sought respite. Fox, conversely, gained 41% total day, capitalizing on triumph.
Streaming’s ascent is another culprit. Nielsen reports linear TV down 10% industry-wide, with viewers migrating to YouTube (CNN: 5.84 million election views) and podcasts (MS NOW: 123 million downloads YTD). Cord-cutting accelerates this U.S. households with cable fell to 52% in 2025.
Demographics play a role too. Fox’s older skew (65% over 55) bolsters totals but risks demo irrelevance; CNN’s younger tilt aids ad sales but inflates perceived declines. Economic headwinds, like inflation worries (61% disapprove of handling, per Fox polls), boost Fox’s narrative edge.
Finally, content strategy: Fox’s opinion-heavy format retains loyalists, while CNN/MS NOW’s fact-focused pivot alienates echo-chamber seekers. Cable news ratings chart over time shows this: Fox up 30% primetime YOY, rivals down double-digits.
Visualizing the Trends: A Cable News Ratings Chart
For deeper insights, the cable news ratings chart below tracks primetime total viewers from Q1 to Q4 2025 (projected). Fox’s steady climb contrasts rivals’ volatility, highlighting the shift’s permanence.
| Quarter | Fox News (Millions) | MS NOW/MSNBC (Millions) | CNN (Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 2025 | 3.01 | 1.02 | 0.558 |
| Q2 2025 | 2.63 | 1.01 | 0.538 |
| Q3 2025 | 2.48 | 0.802 | 0.538 |
| Q4 2025 (Proj.) | 2.50 | 0.85 | 0.52 |
What These Shifts Mean for Viewers and the Industry
For viewers, cable news ratings fluctuations mean echo chambers intensify. Fox’s dominance (65% share) risks narrative silos, where economic pessimism (76% negative views) amplifies without counterbalance. CNN and MS NOW’s declines erode diverse scrutiny, potentially weakening accountability on issues like policy impacts.
Industry-wide, ad dollars follow: Fox’s $2.4 billion Q3 haul dwarfs rivals’, funding expansions like podcasts. But for viewers, the upside? More hybrid content—MS NOW’s YouTube surge (338 million views November) democratizes access, urging critical consumption.
Long-term, these top cable news ratings signal a hybrid future: Linear for depth, digital for speed. Viewers win by demanding balance, not just volume.
FAQ: Common Questions on Cable News Ratings
What are the latest cable news ratings this week in December 2025?
As of early December, Fox News leads with 2.38 million primetime viewers, followed by MS NOW at 802,000 and CNN at 538,000. These cable news ratings this week reflect holiday dips but steady Fox gains.
How do cable news ratings yesterday compare across networks?
On December 7, Fox hit 2.187 million primetime, MS NOW 1.513 million, and CNN 547,000. Adweek cable news ratings yesterday note Fox’s 108% daily spike from event coverage.
Why is Fox News dominating cable news ratings today?
Fox cable news ratings today average 2.38 million primetime due to loyal demographics, opinion-driven content, and post-election boosts—up 41% total day YOY.
What caused the drop in CNN cable news ratings?
CNN cable news ratings fell 42% YOY from election fatigue and streaming shifts, though digital views rose 25% month-over-month.
Are MSNBC’s ratings recovering after the rebrand to MS NOW?
Yes—MS NOW’s primetime hit 1.014 million in its debut week (up 5%), with Maddow at 1.826 million, signaling modest rebound amid 38% post-election losses.
How do cable news ratings charts show long-term trends?
cable news ratings chart data from 2025 illustrates Fox’s 21% YOY primetime growth versus rivals’ declines, driven by viewer polarization.
What impact do tv ratings have on cable news content?
High tv ratings like Fox’s fund bold programming; low ones force CNN/MS NOW toward digital, potentially diversifying but fragmenting viewer experiences.
Conclusion: Tune In Critically, Stay Informed
The shifting cable news ratings of December 2025 Fox’s ascent, rivals’ recalibrations mirror a media ecosystem in flux, where politics, tech, and taste collide. Viewers, you’re at the helm: These numbers don’t dictate truth, but they do shape what’s amplified. Diversify your sources, question the spin, and remember real insight comes from beyond the screen.
