In the week of April 28, 2025, ABC’s flagship news program set a new benchmark for viewership across various demographics. The broadcast, which airs under the name "World News Tonight with David Muir," achieved top ratings among all weekday programs in Total Viewers, Adults 25-54, and Adults 18-49. According to Nielsen Media Research, it attracted over 7 million viewers daily and significantly outperformed its competitors. This performance marks an impressive milestone as the show continues to extend its lead over rival networks like NBC and CBS.
During the specified week, "World News Tonight" consistently ranked first in total viewership every day. On Monday through Friday, it recorded impressive numbers ranging from 6.797 million to 7.263 million viewers per episode. Its dominance extended beyond raw viewer counts, as it also led in key advertising demographics such as Adults 25-54 and Adults 18-49.
Compared to its closest competitor, "NBC Nightly News," "World News Tonight" surpassed it by over a million total viewers weekly. In terms of target audiences crucial for advertisers, the gap widened even further—exceeding 100,000 Adults 25-54 and nearly 113,000 Adults 18-49. Against "CBS Evening News," the disparity was even more pronounced, with margins exceeding three million total viewers, almost half a million Adults 25-54, and over 300,000 Adults 18-49.
This trend reflects an ongoing upward trajectory for "World News Tonight." For eight consecutive weeks, the program has expanded its year-to-year advantages over CBS in multiple categories. These increases range from 13% growth in total viewers to 35% in younger adult demographics. Furthermore, the season-to-date figures reveal that "World News Tonight" maintains its position as the most-watched evening news show for the ninth straight year, leading both NBC and CBS by substantial margins.
The broadcast's success isn't limited to overall viewership but extends into demographic segments critical for advertisers. Over the current season, "World News Tonight" has not only retained its number one spot among Adults 25-54 and Adults 18-49 for six seasons but also amplified these leads compared to previous years. Notably, improvements against NBC include a 58% increase in Adults 25-54 and a remarkable 66% jump in Adults 18-49.
Beyond sheer numbers, this achievement underscores the program's ability to engage diverse audiences effectively. Under the leadership of executive producer Chris Dinan and anchor David Muir, the show continues to adapt and thrive in a competitive media landscape. By delivering comprehensive coverage tailored to modern audiences, "World News Tonight" solidifies its reputation as a leader in American broadcasting.
As the ratings demonstrate, "World News Tonight" remains at the forefront of evening news programming. With consistent growth across all key metrics, it reaffirms its status as a staple of quality journalism, appealing to a wide spectrum of viewers while maintaining strong appeal among younger demographics. This sustained excellence positions the show well for continued success in future seasons.