In a monumental shift within the cable news landscape, Fox News continues to assert its dominance with an overwhelming lead in both primetime and total day viewership. According to recent Nielsen data reported by AdWeek, Fox News secured 14 of the Top 15 most-watched cable news programs in the second quarter of 2025, further solidifying its grip on prime viewing slots despite slight dips in quarter-over-quarter performance. What’s even more jaw-dropping is the shocker that rocked the media world: One anchor managed to claim both the #1 and #2 spots, leaving rival networks stunned and viewers captivated.

Fox News’ Unstoppable Dominance

Fox News averaged a staggering 2.633 million total primetime viewers in Q2, a 13% drop compared to the previous quarter, but still maintaining an impressive 25% year-over-year gain. For total day viewership, the network drew in 1.632 million viewers, marking a 15% decline from Q1 but still reflecting significant growth from last year. These numbers cement Fox News as the leading cable news network, leaving competitors scrambling to keep up.

The true star of this ratings period was The Five, which claimed the #1 spot in total viewership, averaging an impressive 3.851 million viewers in its 5 p.m. ET slot. Hosted by Greg Gutfeld, Dana Perino, Jesse Watters, and alternating co-hosts Jessica Tarlov and Harold Ford Jr., The Five blends politics with personality-driven banter, offering viewers a lively, engaging alternative to more traditional news shows. The mix of sharp commentary and relatable, entertaining conversation continues to resonate with audiences, making it the undisputed leader of cable news.

Jesse Watters: The #2 Spot and Growing Influence

Right behind The Five was Jesse Watters Primetime, claiming the #2 position with 3.431 million viewers. Watters, who also appears on The Five, leverages his prime-time platform to offer a mix of sharp political commentary and provocative segments that often go viral. Watters has managed to carve out his own unique style, blending conservative viewpoints with a fresh, entertaining format that keeps viewers engaged and eager for more. His consistent performance in primetime solidifies him as one of the rising stars in cable news.

Greg Gutfeld: A Late-Night Giant

Following closely behind Watters was Gutfeld!, which landed at #3 with 3.009 million viewers. As a late-night alternative to traditional network shows, Gutfeld! has become a major force in cable news. Known for his satirical take on politics, pop culture, and current events, Greg Gutfeld’s irreverent humor continues to outperform conventional late-night programs. His ability to mix humor with insightful commentary has made Gutfeld! the go-to show for late-night viewers looking for an edge over the typical talk-show fare.

Other Fox News Powerhouses

The rest of Fox News’ lineup is equally strong, with shows like Hannity, Special Report with Bret Baier, and The Ingraham Angle maintaining high viewership numbers. Hannity remains one of Fox’s flagship programs, drawing 3.006 million viewers, while Bret Baier’s Special Report continues to deliver high-quality, in-depth analysis with 2.888 million viewers. Laura Ingraham’s sharp political critiques on The Ingraham Angle also place her in the top 10, attracting 2.749 million viewers.

Other notable Fox shows include:

The Will Cain Show (2.168 million) – A unique blend of sports, politics, and culture.

Outnumbered (2.045 million) – A midday panel discussion with a mix of female voices and perspectives.

The Faulkner Focus (1.945 million) – Harris Faulkner’s hard-news approach to breaking coverage.

America’s Newsroom (1.941 million) – Co-anchored by Bill Hemmer and Dana Perino, offering timely updates on national news.

The Competition: MSNBC and CNN Struggle to Keep Up

While Fox News continues to dominate, the competition has been struggling to maintain relevance. MSNBC, despite losing ground in primetime, has managed to maintain some stability in total day viewership. The Rachel Maddow Show remains a major draw, ranking at #9 with 2.039 million viewers, but Maddow’s reduced schedule, as she now only hosts on Monday nights, has taken a toll on MSNBC’s overall performance.

On CNN, Erin Burnett OutFront leads with 610,000 viewers, far behind Fox’s primetime offerings. NewsNation’s Cuomo also posted lackluster numbers, averaging only 170,000 viewers, despite a 24% gain in primetime viewership from the previous year. Even networks like Newsmax and CNBC, while gaining some traction, still pale in comparison to Fox News’ dominance.

The Takeaway: Fox News Controls the Narrative

Fox News has not only continued to reign supreme in the cable news world but has solidified its position as the leading destination for viewers who want a blend of politics, humor, and engaging commentary. The network’s ability to adapt and expand its programming to include shows like Gutfeld! and Jesse Watters Primetime has allowed it to tap into a broader audience and diversify its offerings beyond traditional news programming.

As for the competition, while MSNBC and CNN continue to fight for relevancy, they are facing a tough challenge in trying to keep up with Fox News’ ever-growing dominance. With Fox News securing 14 of the Top 15 most-watched shows, it’s clear that the network is in a class of its own, maintaining an overwhelming lead across almost every hour of the day.

Conclusion: Fox News Continues to Reign Supreme

In a world where cable news ratings are often tied to controversy and political upheaval, Fox News has managed to carve out an enduring lead with a combination of engaging programming, skilled hosts, and a loyal viewership. As the second quarter of 2025 comes to a close, the network’s overwhelming dominance in the ratings is undeniable, and with its strong lineup of shows, it’s clear that Fox News will continue to shape the cable news landscape for the foreseeable future.