In a remarkable display of viewer loyalty and strategic programming, Fox News has once again solidified its position as the leader in cable news, clinching an impressive 14 of the top 15 most-watched shows for the second quarter of 2025. This achievement, reported by AdWeek and based on Nielsen ratings data, highlights Fox News’s unwavering grip on the cable news landscape, even amid slight declines in viewership compared to the previous quarter. As audiences continue to navigate an increasingly polarized media environment, Fox News’s dominance raises important questions about the future of cable news and viewer preferences.

Overview of Ratings Performance

For the second quarter of 2025, Fox News averaged 2.633 million total primetime viewers and 1.632 million total day viewers. While these numbers represent a 13% decrease in primetime viewership and a 15% drop in total day viewers compared to the first quarter, the network still boasts a remarkable 25% year-over-year increase in both categories. This resilience underscores Fox News’s ability to maintain a loyal audience base, even as other networks struggle to keep pace.

The ratings period from April to June has shown that Fox News continues to be a formidable player in the cable news arena. Despite the slight quarter-over-quarter dips, the overall year-over-year growth indicates that the network’s programming strategy is resonating with viewers. This trend suggests that Fox News has successfully cultivated a dedicated audience that returns consistently, regardless of fluctuations in the broader media landscape.

Top Shows and Their Appeal

At the forefront of Fox News’s success is The Five, which continues to lead with an astonishing average of 3.851 million viewers in its 5 p.m. ET slot. This panel show, featuring hosts Greg Gutfeld, Dana Perino, Jesse Watters, and alternating co-hosts Jessica Tarlov and Harold Ford Jr., combines political analysis with engaging, personality-driven discussions. The show’s format allows for diverse viewpoints, making it appealing to a broad audience.

Following closely behind is Jesse Watters Primetime, which secured the #2 position with 3.431 million viewers. Watters, who also appears on The Five, leverages his primetime platform to deliver a mix of sharp political commentary and provocative segments that frequently go viral. His ability to engage viewers with compelling narratives has made him a standout figure in the Fox lineup.

Gutfeld!, hosted by Greg Gutfeld, ranks third with 3.009 million viewers. Positioned as a late-night alternative, Gutfeld’s satirical take on politics and pop culture has consistently outperformed traditional late-night shows, appealing to audiences seeking humor alongside serious commentary. This unique blend of entertainment and analysis has redefined expectations for late-night programming.

Hannity, hosted by Sean Hannity, comes in at #4 with 3.006 million viewers. Known for his close ties to prominent Republican figures and his assertive style, Hannity remains one of the network’s biggest draws. His show continues to attract a dedicated audience eager for his insights into current events and political developments.

Ranking fifth is Special Report with Bret Baier, which garnered 2.888 million viewers. Baier’s commitment to delivering straight-news reporting and in-depth political analysis has earned him respect among viewers, making this program one of Fox’s most trusted news sources.

Additional Ratings Highlights

The ratings success extends beyond the top five shows. Other notable programs include:

The Ingraham Angle (2.749M) – Laura Ingraham’s blend of cultural commentary and political critique resonates strongly with Fox’s core audience.
The Will Cain Show (2.168M) – A unique combination of sports, politics, and culture that appeals to a diverse viewer base.
Outnumbered (2.045M) – A midday panel show featuring female hosts discussing major news stories, offering a fresh perspective on current events.
The Rachel Maddow Show (2.039M) – The only non-Fox program in the top 15, Maddow’s show continues to draw significant viewership despite her reduced hosting schedule.

Other programs rounding out the ratings include The Faulkner Focus (1.945M), America’s Newsroom (1.941M), America Reports (1.938M), The Story with Martha MacCallum (1.913M), Fox News at Night (1.682M), and Fox & Friends (1.411M). Each show contributes to Fox News’s overall dominance, showcasing a variety of formats and perspectives that cater to different segments of the audience.

Competitors and Industry Implications

While Fox News continues to reign supreme, its closest rival, MSNBC, managed to place only one show in the top 15. The Rachel Maddow Show, airing only on Monday nights, remains a significant ratings draw, indicating that even a limited schedule can yield impressive numbers. Meanwhile, CNN’s leading show, Erin Burnett OutFront, averaged only 610,000 viewers, highlighting the vast gap between Fox and its competitors.

Interestingly, MSNBC was the only network not to lose viewers in total day compared to Q1, suggesting some resilience in its programming strategy. However, the overall ratings landscape clearly indicates that Fox News not only owns primetime but dominates nearly every hour of the day.

Conclusion

The second quarter of 2025 has reaffirmed Fox News’s status as a powerhouse in cable news. With 14 of the top 15 shows, the network has demonstrated its ability to attract and retain viewers through engaging content and a strong lineup of hosts. As the media landscape continues to evolve, Fox News’s success raises important questions about the future of cable news and the ongoing competition among networks.

For viewers, the message is clear: Fox News remains a dominant force, shaping the way news is consumed and influencing public discourse. As the network continues to innovate and adapt, it will be interesting to see how competitors respond and whether they can reclaim any ground in this fiercely competitive arena.