In the first quarter of 2025, Fox News has achieved remarkable success by outperforming its cable news rivals and even surpassing major broadcast networks in terms of total viewership. Despite being a subscription-based service available in fewer households compared to free-to-air networks, Fox News managed to attract an average of 3.63 million weekday primetime viewers, outpacing CBS, NBC, ABC, and ESPN. The network's dominance extends beyond primetime as its daytime programming also consistently draws larger audiences than its competitors.

Key highlights include record-breaking weeks like the one ending March 9th, where Fox News averaged 4.8 million viewers. Additionally, its coverage of President Donald Trump’s Joint Address to Congress garnered a massive audience of 10.7 million viewers, with 74% of all viewers tuning into Fox for this event. Shows such as "The Five" and "Jesse Watters Primetime" continue to lead in ratings, reinforcing Fox News' stronghold in both evening and late-night slots.

Unmatched Primetime Success

Despite being a cable channel with limited reach compared to broadcast networks, Fox News has established itself as the leader in primetime television. With an average of 3.63 million viewers during weekdays from December 30th to March 11th, it surpassed CBS, NBC, ABC, and ESPN. This achievement is particularly striking given that broadcast networks are accessible in more homes across America without additional cost.

During the week ending March 9th, Fox News demonstrated even stronger performance, averaging 4.8 million viewers in primetime. This figure not only overshadowed competing cable channels MSNBC and CNN but also exceeded the viewership of major broadcast networks. Programs like "The Five," which averaged 4.7 million viewers, and "Jesse Watters Primetime," drawing 4.4 million viewers, contributed significantly to this success. Hannity at 9 p.m. ET secured 3.7 million viewers, while Gutfeld! at 10 p.m. dominated late-night ratings, outperforming shows like The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Daytime Programming Leadership

Beyond primetime, Fox News has extended its influence into daytime programming, consistently outperforming broadcast competitors. Shows such as Outnumbered, The Faulkner Focus, and The Story with Martha MacCallum regularly attract over 2.4 million viewers, surpassing popular morning shows like NBC’s Today in its third hour and CBS Mornings. Since the election, the top 811 telecasts in cable news have aired exclusively on Fox, showcasing its comprehensive dominance across various time slots.

Fox News’ ability to maintain high viewership throughout the day is a testament to its strategic programming and audience engagement. Its coverage of significant events, such as President Donald Trump’s Joint Address to Congress, drew a staggering 10.7 million viewers, with 74% of all viewers choosing Fox over other networks. Additionally, its presentation of the Democratic response delivered by Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) attracted 5.9 million viewers and nearly 1 million in the sought-after demographic. This consistent outperformance in both content and audience appeal highlights Fox News' unmatched leadership in the media landscape.