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MS NOW Gains Momentum as Cable News Landscape Shifts in Week of November 17, 2025
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MS NOW experienced a triumphant first week under its new branding, marking the only cable news network to demonstrate growth in both total viewership and the key Adults 25-54 demographic during both primetime and total day programming. While CNN maintained stable viewership, Fox News saw declines across the board, according to Nielsen data for the week of November 17, 2025.
Cable News Rankings: A Week of Contrasts
The recent performance of cable news networks has sparked debate among industry observers,with Fox News’s declines raising questions about its future trajectory. “The results clearly indicate a dynamic market where rebranding and content strategy can have an immediate impact,” noted one analyst.
Nielsen Ratings Breakdown: Primetime & Total Day
Fox News led in primetime viewership with an average of 2.121 million total viewers and 189,000 viewers in the Adults 25-54 demo. However, the network experienced a -5% decrease in total viewers and a -1% dip in the demo compared to the previous week. In total day viewing, Fox News averaged 1.38 million total viewers and 121,000 A25-54 viewers, also down -5% in both measurements. Despite these declines, Fox News remained the second-most-watched cable network in primetime and the top network in total day viewership.
MS NOW averaged 1.014 million total viewers and 90,000 A25-54 viewers during primetime, representing a +5% increase in total viewers and a +6% increase in the demo compared to the prior week. During total day, MSNBC averaged 649,000 total viewers and 60,000 demo viewers, with gains of +4% in total viewers and +7% in the demo. MSNBC rose to No. 12 from No. 13 in the primetime demo rankings, while remaining in third place for total primetime viewers.
CNN averaged 570,000 total primetime viewers and 103,000 A25-54 viewers, showing no change in total viewers but a +4% increase in the demo.Total day performance saw a slight increase of +1% in total viewers, with the demo remaining flat at 450,000 total viewers and 73,000 demo viewers. CNN held its position in fifth place for total primetime viewers and fourth for total day viewership.
Year-Over-Year Performance: Shifting Trends
Looking back to the same week in 2024, the trends reveal significant shifts. Fox News experienced substantial year-over-year declines, down -21% in total primetime viewers and -41% in the A25-54 demo. Total day viewership also decreased by -19% and -41% respectively.
Conversely,MSNBC demonstrated impressive year-over-year growth,with a +54% increase in total primetime viewers and a +50% increase in the A25-54 demo. Total day viewership rose by +34% and +43% respectively. CNN also saw gains, increasing by +37% in total primetime viewers and +30% in the demo, with total day gains of +34% and +38%.
Programming Highlights: Fox News Dominates Top Shows
Fox News dominated the list of the most-watched cable news programs, securing 12 of the top 15 spots. The Five led the pack with 3.721 million total viewers at 5 p.m. ET. MSNBC’s The Rachel Maddow Show, airing on Mondays at 9 p.m. ET, was the highest-ranking MSNBC programme, landing at No. 9 with 1.826 million total viewers.
In the Adults 25-54 demo, The Five also took the top spot, averaging 298,000 viewers. Fox news held 13 of the 15 top spots in this key demographic, with The Rachel Maddow Show securing eighth place with 176,000 demo viewers. CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360 at 8 p.m. ET rounded out the top 15, attracting 136,000 demo viewers.
The changing
