Fox News has once again dominated the cable news ratings, solidifying its position as the leader in primetime viewership for the second quarter of 2025. With a staggering 14 out of the top 15 most-watched shows, the network has shown no signs of slowing down despite slight quarter-over-quarter declines. The ratings data, reported by AdWeek and based on Nielsen figures, covers the months from April to June 2025, and reveals that Fox News continues to be the undisputed champion in the cable news landscape.

The ratings for Q2 reflect Fox News’ incredible staying power in an era where competition for viewers’ attention is more intense than ever. Even though there was a 13% drop in primetime and a 15% drop in total day compared to the first quarter, the network posted an impressive 25% year-over-year growth in both categories, further demonstrating the enduring appeal of Fox’s programming.

The Top Shows: The Powerhouse Programs Driving Fox’s Dominance

The clear frontrunner in Fox News’ dominance was The Five, which captured a jaw-dropping 3.851 million viewers in its 5 p.m. ET time slot. The panel-driven format, which includes Greg Gutfeld, Dana Perino, Jesse Watters, and rotating co-hosts Jessica Tarlov and Harold Ford Jr., continues to be one of the most popular shows on the network. Known for its engaging blend of politics and personality-driven banter, The Five has consistently captured the attention of viewers seeking a mix of commentary and entertainment.

Jesse Watters Primetime secured the second spot with 3.431 million viewers, showing that Watters’ mix of sharp political commentary and provocative segments continues to resonate with Fox’s audience. Watters’ ability to stir discussions and even go viral with his segments keeps the audience engaged, helping to maintain his program’s prominence in the cable news rankings.

Gutfeld!, a late-night alternative to traditional talk shows, ranked #3 with 3.009 million viewers. Greg Gutfeld’s satirical take on politics and pop culture has managed to outshine traditional network late-night shows, securing a loyal fan base and consistently strong ratings for Fox News. His ability to bring humor into political commentary has made Gutfeld! a standout show, particularly in the competitive late-night slot.

At #4, Hannity, hosted by conservative stalwart Sean Hannity, averaged 3.006 million viewers. Known for his close ties to Republican figures and his unflinching conservative perspective, Hannity remains a key figure in Fox News’ programming, drawing in viewers who appreciate his fiery commentary on both current events and political issues.

Special Report with Bret Baier followed closely at #5, securing 2.888 million viewers. Baier’s approach to straight news coverage and in-depth political analysis has earned him a strong and respectful following, particularly among those looking for a more traditional news format with a focus on fairness and depth.

In the #6 spot was The Ingraham Angle, hosted by Laura Ingraham, who has become a key figure in the conservative movement. With 2.749 million viewers, Ingraham’s mix of political critique and cultural commentary remains a favorite among Fox’s core audience, making her show one of the most-watched on the network.

Fox’s Expansive Reach Across the Day

Beyond primetime, Fox News also captured a significant portion of the total-day viewership. The network’s diverse programming strategy allowed it to reach audiences throughout the day, and shows like The Will Cain Show, Outnumbered, and The Faulkner Focus helped solidify Fox News’ dominance.

The Will Cain Show came in at #7 with 2.168 million viewers, blending sports, culture, and politics with a conservative angle. Outnumbered, the midday panel show that features four women hosts and one male guest discussing the day’s top stories, drew 2.045 million viewers, proving its appeal to viewers who prefer a lighter, yet informative, approach to news.

The Faulkner Focus, hosted by Harris Faulkner, ranked at #10 with 1.945 million viewers. Faulkner’s straightforward approach to breaking news coverage resonates with audiences looking for direct and unbiased reporting. America’s Newsroom with Bill Hemmer and Dana Perino followed at #11 with 1.941 million viewers, further cementing the network’s wide-reaching presence across the day.

The Rivals: MSNBC and CNN Struggle to Compete

Despite Fox News’ overwhelming dominance, MSNBC was the only network to have a program break into the top 15. The Rachel Maddow Show, which has become a cornerstone of MSNBC’s primetime lineup, earned 2.039 million viewers, landing at #9. Maddow’s sharp analysis and investigative approach to political stories have kept her relevant, even though she now hosts only on Monday nights as of May 2025. This reduced schedule has impacted her viewership compared to previous years, yet her influence remains considerable.

On the other hand, CNN continues to struggle in the ratings department, with Erin Burnett OutFront leading the network with a modest 610,000 viewers. CNN’s continued challenges in attracting large audiences point to the network’s difficulty in competing with Fox News’ stronghold on conservative-leaning viewers. CNN has made several attempts to adjust its programming, but its viewership numbers still lag far behind those of Fox.

The Changing Landscape: What Does This Mean for the Future of Cable News?

Fox News’ continued dominance in cable news raises important questions about the future of television news in America. While the network’s ability to draw millions of viewers across its diverse lineup of shows is impressive, it also reflects the growing political divide in the country. Fox’s programming caters heavily to conservative viewers, and this niche focus has helped the network build a loyal audience.

In contrast, networks like CNN and MSNBC, which offer more centrist and liberal viewpoints, continue to struggle with their viewership. The rise of online media and digital streaming platforms has contributed to the changing landscape of television news, and Fox News has capitalized on this shift by expanding its digital presence and offering a broad range of programming that appeals to conservative sensibilities.

The battle for viewers in the cable news arena is far from over, but it’s clear that Fox News has established itself as the dominant force. With top-rated shows across a wide range of timeslots and an unwavering ability to adapt to the changing media landscape, Fox News shows no sign of relinquishing its grip on cable news.

Conclusion: Fox News’ Future Looks Bright

As the second quarter of 2025 draws to a close, it’s clear that Fox News is still the undisputed leader in cable news. Its ability to attract viewers and maintain top ratings across its vast programming lineup is a testament to the network’s success in staying relevant and appealing to its audience.

With shows like The Five, Jesse Watters Primetime, and Gutfeld!, Fox News has cemented its position as the go-to network for conservative news and commentary. Despite slight dips in viewership from Q1, the network’s continued growth year-over-year proves that its influence in the cable news industry is only getting stronger.

As Fox News continues to dominate the cable news landscape, its competitors will need to adjust their strategies if they hope to compete with the powerhouse network. For now, Fox News remains the top choice for millions of viewers, and its hold on cable news seems secure for the foreseeable future.