Fox News Dominates Q2 2025 Cable Ratings with 14 Out of Top 15 Shows

Fox News has once again proven its dominance in cable news, securing 14 of the Top 15 most-watched shows during the second quarter of 2025, according to Nielsen data reported by AdWeek. The data, covering April through June, highlights Fox News’ continued grip on American viewership despite a modest decline compared to the first quarter.

Fox News Leads in Both Primetime and Total Day Viewership

For Q2 2025, Fox News averaged 2.633 million primetime viewers and 1.632 million total day viewers. While these numbers represent a 13% drop in primetime and a 15% drop in total day compared to Q1, the network still celebrated a significant 25% year-over-year increase in both categories — reaffirming its unmatched position in the cable news landscape.

Top Shows That Drove Fox’s Ratings Success

#1 — The Five

Topping the list once again, The Five drew an average of 3.851 million viewers. Airing at 5 p.m. ET, the panel show — hosted by Greg Gutfeld, Dana Perino, Jesse Watters, and alternating co-hosts Jessica Tarlov and Harold Ford Jr. — continues to blend political discussion with personality-driven humor, making it a consistent ratings leader.

#2 — Jesse Watters Primetime

Watters’ solo show followed closely with 3.431 million viewers, thanks to his mix of sharp political takes and viral-friendly segments.

#3 — Gutfeld!

Greg Gutfeld’s late-night comedy-news hybrid remained a powerhouse with 3.009 million viewers, outperforming traditional network late-night programs.

#4 — Hannity

Sean Hannity’s long-running show pulled 3.006 million viewers, maintaining strong performance with its loyal conservative base and high-profile political guests.

#5 — Special Report with Bret Baier

Bret Baier’s straight-news approach helped the show draw 2.888 million viewers, making it one of the most respected programs on Fox’s lineup.

#6 — The Ingraham Angle

Laura Ingraham’s blend of cultural commentary and political critique attracted 2.749 million viewers, further anchoring Fox’s evening dominance.

Rounding Out Fox’s Top Performers

#7 — The Will Cain Show (2.168M): A unique blend of politics, sports, and pop culture.

#8 — Outnumbered (2.045M): A midday panel of four women and one male guest discussing trending topics.

#10 — The Faulkner Focus (1.945M): Harris Faulkner delivers sharp breaking news coverage.

#11 — America’s Newsroom (1.941M): Co-anchored by Bill Hemmer and Dana Perino, known for solid mid-morning reporting.

#12 — America Reports (1.938M): John Roberts and Sandra Smith bring a Washington-focused news hour.

#13 — The Story with Martha MacCallum (1.913M): In-depth political coverage and interviews.

#14 — Fox News at Night (1.682M): Late-night wrap-up with news and analysis.

#15 — Fox & Friends (1.411M): Morning show mainstay blending news, lifestyle, and entertainment.

The Only Non-Fox Show in the Top 15

The lone non-Fox program to crack the Top 15 was MSNBC’s The Rachel Maddow Show, coming in at #9 with 2.039 million viewers. Despite Maddow now hosting only on Monday nights since May 5, her program continues to draw a sizable audience — proving her enduring influence even with a reduced schedule.

Where Other Networks Stand

• CNN’s top performer was Erin Burnett OutFront, averaging 610,000 total viewers — a stark contrast to Fox’s leading numbers.

• NewsNation’s Cuomo averaged 170,000 viewers, up 24% year-over-year in primetime.

• Newsmax’s Rob Schmitt Tonight pulled 412,000 viewers, topping that network’s charts.

• CNBC’s Squawk on the Street led its network with 220,000 viewers.

MSNBC Holds Steady in Total Day Viewership

While Fox News saw a dip compared to Q1, MSNBC was the only network that did not lose viewers in total day viewership. However, the absence of Rachel Maddow for most of the week has impacted its primetime strength. Still, Maddow remains a key figure — the only rival anchor able to maintain Top 15 status amidst Fox’s overwhelming dominance.

Conclusion: Fox News Still Reigns Supreme

The data from Q2 2025 sends a clear message: Fox News not only dominates primetime but commands nearly every hour of the broadcast day. With a lineup that appeals to a broad conservative audience, strong anchors, and a consistent ratings formula, Fox continues to set the standard for cable news performance.