Primetime Viewer Numbers Released
CNN’s primetime ratings have hit a new low, with the network posting numbers so dismal last week that it was outperformed by the Food Network—a sobering reality for a station once considered the definitive leader in cable news.
While Anderson Cooper might not pivot to casserole-making anytime soon, the network’s performance highlights a grim struggle to remain relevant in a fiercely competitive media landscape.
From December 2-8, CNN's primetime lineup, which includes Anderson Cooper 360, The Source with Kaitlan Collins, and CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip, averaged a mere 367,000 total viewers during the critical 8-11 p.m. slot.
Even more troubling, among the advertiser-coveted demographic of adults aged 25-54, the numbers shrank to a paltry 67,000—landing CNN at No. 26 among cable networks for the week.
By contrast, Fox News Channel dominated with an average of 2.5 million total viewers and 280,000 in the key demo, reinforcing its stronghold on primetime news consumption.
It’s not just political heavyweights like Fox News surpassing CNN. Networks as diverse as HGTV, Hallmark, and even TV Land managed to outdraw CNN in critical metrics, underscoring just how dire the situation has become.
These figures come during a particularly busy news cycle, featuring high-profile stories like the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, the manhunt for his killer, fallout from President Biden’s controversial pardon of his son Hunter, and significant global developments, including unrest in Syria. Yet, even with headlines that should drive viewership, CNN’s programming failed to attract an audience.
The ratings spiral is not new. Just a week earlier, CNN experienced its lowest-rated week among total viewers since 2001, averaging only 268,000 viewers—compared to Fox News’ 1.4 million during the same period.
Adding to the network’s woes, CNN faces an upcoming legal battle as a U.S. Navy veteran has filed a defamation lawsuit, alleging that a 2021 segment on The Lead with Jake Tapper damaged his reputation and livelihood. The case is yet another hurdle in what has become an increasingly challenging period for CNN.