NATIONAL CABLE NEWS MARKET — CNN was the only cable news network to post week-to-week growth in both total primetime viewers and the Adults 25-54 demographic during the week of May 4, 2026, according to Nielsen big data plus panel measurements. The network's primetime audience rose 8% in total viewers and 25% in the key advertising demo compared with the week beginning April 27, 2026.

CNN averaged 683,000 total primetime viewers and 126,000 Adults 25-54 viewers for the week, Nielsen reported. In total day, the network averaged 484,000 total viewers and 80,000 Adults 25-54 viewers, with total viewership down 1% week-to-week but the demo up 11%.

Among basic cable networks, CNN moved from sixth to fifth in total primetime viewers and from 15th to seventh in the Adults 25-54 demo. In total day, the network ranked fourth in total viewers and sixth in the demo.

On a year-over-year basis, CNN's primetime total viewership and Adults 25-54 demo each increased by 50%, according to Nielsen. In total day, year-over-year total viewership rose 29% and the demo climbed 25%.

Fox News remained the most-watched cable news network, averaging 2.469 million total primetime viewers and 222,000 Adults 25-54 viewers, Nielsen reported. Its primetime audience declined 5% in total viewers and 7% in the demo from the prior week. In total day, the network averaged 1.57 million total viewers and 147,000 Adults 25-54 viewers, down 4% and 3%, respectively.

Fox News ranked first in total primetime viewers and third in the Adults 25-54 demo among basic cable networks, and first in total day total viewers and second in the demo. Year-over-year, primetime total viewership rose 1% while the demo fell 13%.

MS NOW averaged 972,000 total primetime viewers and 91,000 Adults 25-54 viewers, with primetime viewership down 6% in total viewers and 13% in the demo week-to-week, according to Nielsen. In total day, the network averaged 606,000 total viewers and 62,000 Adults 25-54 viewers, declines of 6% and 9%.

MS NOW ranked third in total primetime viewers and 17th in the Adults 25-54 demo, down from 14th the prior week. The network ranked third in total day total viewers and ninth in the demo. Year-over-year, primetime total viewership grew 9% and the demo grew 18%.

The Five, airing on Fox News at 5 p.m. ET, was the most-watched cable news show of the week with 3.663 million total viewers and 318,000 Adults 25-54 viewers. The Rachel Maddow Show on MS NOW ranked eighth with 2.094 million total viewers and 234,000 demo viewers. CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip, airing weeknights at 10 p.m. ET, ranked 15th in the Adults 25-54 demo with 137,000 demo viewers.