FOX News Channel Dominates Third Quarter of 2022 and Remains Cable’s Highest-Rated Network in Primetime and Total Day Viewers

FOX News Channel (FNC) finished the third quarter of 2022 as cable’s most-watched network in primetime and total day viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research. Marking 83 consecutive quarters as the highest-rated cable news channel in primetime, FNC also outpaced CNN and MSNBC combined in total day and primetime with total viewers, and easily surpassed both networks in the 25-54 and 18-49 demos for the quarter. FNC also ranked number one in all of basic cable in total day viewers for the sixth quarter in a row, winning every single weekday hour with double and triple-digit percent advantages while delivering 94 of the top 100 telecasts in cable news. In total day, FNC delivered 1.4 million viewers, 201,000 with the A25-54 demographic and 122,000 with A18-49. In primetime, FNC netted 2.2 million viewers, 294,000 in the 25-54 demo, and 180,000 with A18-49. Additionally, FNC’s cable news audience share increased to over 50% across all key dayparts and categories as more Democrats and Independents tuned in to FNC over any other network, according to data from Nielsen MRI Fusion.

During the third quarter of 2022, FNC delivered the top seven programs in cable news in total viewers and the top 15 programs in the younger 25-54 demo. FNC continued to serve as the go-to destination for breaking news coverage, earning triple-digit advantages over CNN and MSNBC across the board for stories including the ongoing war in Ukraine, the passing of Queen Elizabeth, the FBI raid of former President Donald Trump’s home, among others.

At 5 PM/ET, FNC’s powerhouse The Five continued to shatter records by becoming the first non-primetime program to top all of cable news for four consecutive quarters in cable news history, averaging 3.3 million viewers and 418,000 in A25-54, outpacing every show on CNN and MSNBC across the board. Additionally, The Five beat ABC’s The Bachelorette in total viewers. Special Report with Bret Baier (weeknights, 6 PM/ET) averaged 2.3 million viewers and 304,000 in A25-54, dominating its timeslot. At 7 PM/ET, FNC’s newly launched Jesse Watters Primetime finished the quarter as the third highest-rated cable news program, averaging 2.7 million viewers and 342,000 in A25-54, solidifying the third quarter as the fastest-growing program in cable news. At 12 AM/ET, FOX News @ Night surpassed the competition, delivering 1.1 million viewers and 197,000 in A25-54.