In a stunning display of television dominance, Fox News has once again cemented its position at the top of the cable news rankings, capturing an overwhelming 14 of the 15 most-watched shows during the second quarter of 2025. This achievement, revealed by AdWeek through Nielsen data, showcases Fox’s unyielding grip on primetime television, even as the network experiences slight declines from its record-breaking figures in the previous quarter.

Despite the small dips — a 13% drop in primetime and a 15% drop in total day viewers compared to the first quarter — Fox News still posted a massive 25% year-over-year increase in viewership. This accomplishment signals that, while viewership may be down from the previous quarter, the network continues to expand its audience and build a formidable brand in a competitive television landscape.

The Powerhouse Shows that Took Over

Leading the charge is Fox News’ The Five, the 5 p.m. ET panel show that blends political commentary with engaging banter. Hosted by Greg Gutfeld, Dana Perino, Jesse Watters, and rotating co-hosts Jessica Tarlov and Harold Ford Jr., The Five pulled in a whopping 3.851 million viewers, continuing its reign as Fox’s most-watched program.

Following closely behind, Jesse Watters Primetime secured the #2 spot with 3.431 million viewers. Watters, also a staple on The Five, brings his blend of sharp political commentary and viral segments to his primetime show, which continues to resonate with Fox’s loyal audience.

Rounding out the top three, Gutfeld!, Greg Gutfeld’s late-night satire show, captured 3.009 million viewers, outperforming traditional network late-night shows and further solidifying Gutfeld’s place as one of the most influential figures on cable television.

Hannity, Special Report with Bret Baier, and The Ingraham Angle also claimed top spots, with each program continuing to attract millions of viewers with their politically driven content and analyses. The combination of current events, high-profile interviews, and political commentary has made these shows ratings powerhouses for the network.

Fox News’ dominance extended beyond primetime as well. The Will Cain Show, Outnumbered, The Faulkner Focus, America’s Newsroom, America Reports, and The Story with Martha MacCallum filled out the remaining spots in the rankings, underscoring Fox News’ vast influence across multiple time slots and programming styles.

The Only Rival in the Top 15

The one exception to Fox News’ overwhelming reign? MSNBC’s The Rachel Maddow Show, which managed to sneak into the #9 spot with 2.039 million viewers. Despite Maddow’s reduced schedule, now airing only on Mondays as of May 2025, her show remains a major draw for viewers, and she continues to be one of MSNBC’s most influential hosts. However, this performance highlights a crucial gap: while Maddow’s reach is still significant, her reduced air time and MSNBC’s overall decline in viewership have prevented the network from keeping up with Fox’s ratings juggernaut.

For CNN, Erin Burnett OutFront led the way with 610,000 viewers, while NewsNation’s Cuomo posted 170,000 viewers, marking a significant gain for the relatively new network. Fox News’ sheer dominance in the ratings has left its competition struggling to keep up, with even Newsmax’s Rob Schmitt Tonight (412,000 viewers) and CNBC’s Squawk on the Street (220,000 viewers) falling far behind in comparison.

The Big Picture: Why Fox News Continues to Reign Supreme

What makes Fox News’ dominance so striking? In a media landscape where competition is fierce and more networks vie for attention, Fox News has mastered the art of retaining a dedicated viewership. By providing a mix of news, analysis, and entertainment, Fox’s programming strikes a balance that keeps audiences coming back for more.

Shows like The Five, Jesse Watters Primetime, and Gutfeld! stand out because they don’t just offer news; they offer a unique viewing experience that blends current events with humor, personality, and debate. This strategy has allowed Fox to cultivate a loyal audience that feels connected to the hosts and their opinions.

Furthermore, the network’s commitment to providing a voice to conservative viewpoints has set it apart from other news outlets. Whether you love it or hate it, Fox News has created a powerful brand that speaks directly to its viewers’ values and concerns, which has undoubtedly contributed to its ongoing success.

The Future of Cable News: Can Anyone Challenge Fox’s Reign?

With Fox News continuing to dominate, the big question remains: will anyone be able to challenge its supremacy in the cable news space?

As MSNBC and CNN continue to struggle, and other networks try to carve out their niche in the news and entertainment market, it’s clear that Fox has solidified its position as the leader in cable news. For the time being, it seems that the network’s formula for success — mixing political commentary, in-depth reporting, and a touch of humor — will continue to hold its audience’s attention and keep its ratings soaring.

But as the media landscape evolves and new platforms emerge, it remains to be seen whether Fox can maintain its dominance in the years to come. For now, however, the network has once again proven its unbeatable grip on cable news.

In conclusion, Fox News not only owns primetime — it dominates nearly every hour of the day. As competition continues to rise, one thing is clear: Fox News remains the undisputed champion of cable television, and with its vast array of successful programs, it looks like this reign will continue for the foreseeable future.

Stay tuned to see how long Fox News can keep its crown in the ever-changing world of cable news.