Fox News has achieved a remarkable feat in television history, topping all major broadcast networks in summer primetime ratings for only the second time ever. According to Nielsen ratings from June 20 through September 1, Fox News not only dominated its cable news rivals but also outperformed broadcast giants ABC, NBC, and CBS during the competitive 8–11 PM primetime slot.

Fox News averaged 2.43 million viewers per night, edging out ABC’s 2.38 million, NBC’s 2.21 million, and CBS’s 2.03 million. This marks a repeat of Fox’s first such victory in the summer of 2020, confirming the network’s growing reach beyond its traditional cable news base.

Fox News’ Ratings Surge: A Closer Look

The network’s primetime viewership surge was especially pronounced following the highly anticipated Trump-Biden debate, which drew historic audiences and left Fox News far ahead of its competitors. When compared to other cable news networks, Fox’s dominance was even more striking: MSNBC averaged 783,000 viewers per night, and CNN just 444,000. Combined, these two still fell far short of Fox’s nightly average.

Fox News also led in the advertiser-coveted 25–54 age demographic. It averaged 237,000 viewers in this group, while CNN drew 78,000 and MSNBC brought in 72,000. This is a critical advantage, as this demographic is highly valued by advertisers and often shapes network strategies.

Primetime Powerhouses and Surprise Hits

Much of Fox News’ success can be attributed to its lineup of opinion shows, which consistently deliver large, loyal audiences. In August, “Jesse Watters Primetime” led the network, averaging 3.06 million viewers each night. “Gutfeld!”—the late-night comedy and commentary show—followed closely with 2.85 million, while “Hannity” maintained a strong 9 PM presence with 2.61 million viewers.

These shows not only dominate cable news but also outperform many scripted and unscripted programs on traditional broadcast television, signaling a major shift in the media landscape.

Interestingly, Fox News’ single biggest draw in August wasn’t a primetime show at all. “The Five,” a roundtable discussion airing at 5 PM, averaged 3.48 million daily viewers—outpacing every other cable news program and even eclipsing many primetime juggernauts. This success highlights Fox’s brand strength across multiple hours, proving its appeal extends well beyond the evening slot.

News Programming Also Shines

Fox News’ straight news programs have also seen impressive ratings. “Special Report with Bret Baier,” airing at 6 PM, delivered 2.55 million viewers per night, including 249,000 in the key 25–54 demographic. In some major markets, “Special Report” has even outperformed ABC, NBC, and CBS evening newscasts, blurring the lines between cable and broadcast news dominance.

Why Fox News Leads

Several factors contribute to Fox News’ ratings success. The network’s primetime lineup has cultivated a fiercely loyal audience. Personalities like Jesse Watters, Greg Gutfeld, and Sean Hannity command dedicated followings, giving Fox both staying power and resilience amid broader industry shifts.

Additionally, Fox’s blend of opinion-driven analysis and hard news coverage appeals to viewers seeking both commentary and breaking news. This mix has proven effective at capturing and retaining a broad audience.

A Broader Trend in Media

The summer 2025 ratings highlight a wider trend in media consumption. As streaming services and digital platforms disrupt traditional television, Fox News’ ability to lead not only cable competitors but also broadcast networks demonstrates the enduring strength of live news and commentary programming.

By surpassing broadcast titans like ABC and NBC, Fox News shows that cable outlets—when fueled by strong brand loyalty and consistent programming—can outperform even the most established broadcast institutions.

Looking Ahead

Fox News’ achievement in leading all networks during summer primetime reflects more than just a strong season; it signals a structural shift in audience habits. Whether driven by interest in political commentary, the charisma of its hosts, or the network’s must-watch content, Fox News has secured a position of influence that extends well beyond cable news.

With both opinion and news shows performing at high levels, Fox News is poised to remain a ratings powerhouse heading into the fall and beyond.