This is TVNewser’s basic cable network ranker and cable news report for the week of May 5, 2025.
MSNBC’s new programming lineup finished its first full week, and the numbers were mixed. The network experienced week-to-week declines in total viewers and the Adults 25-54 demo during primetime and total day. MSNBC continued to miss Rachel Maddow’s nightly presence as it fell by double-digits in both measured categories during primetime.
Meanwhile, Fox News had 96 of the top 100 cable news telecasts and was the most-watched cable news network during the announcement of Pope Leo XIV‘s election.
CNN was the only news network not to record any declines across the board.
The competitive playoff battles taking place in the NBA and the NHL also affected the cable news ratings during the just-concluded week.
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According to Nielsen Live Plus, same-day data saw Fox News average 2.451 million total viewers and 256,000 A25-54 viewers during primetime. The network was down -1% in the former category and flat in the latter relative to the week prior (the week beginning April 28).
In total day viewing, Fox News averaged 1.582 million total viewers and 189,000 A25-54 viewers for gains of +2% and +5%, respectively.
FNC remained second in total viewers and finished in third in the demo among all basic cable networks during primetime. In total day, it remained No. 1 in total viewers and held steady at No. 3 in the demo.
MSNBC’s primetime lineup averaged 892,000 total viewers and 77,000 A25-54 viewers for declines of -12% and -13%, respectively.
During total day, MSNBC averaged 564,000 total viewers and 52,000 demo viewers for respective dips of -2% and -5% in those measured categories.
Among all basic cable networks, MSNBC stayed at No. 4 in total viewers and dropped four spots from No. 15 to No. 19 in the demo during primetime. Across total day, it remained at third place in total viewers and remained at No. 13 in the demo.
CNN averaged 456,000 total viewers and 84,000 A25-54 viewers in the demo during primetime for a flat result in the former category and a +4% in the latter.
In total day, the network recorded 375,000 total viewers and 64,000 A25-54 viewers. Week-to-week, the network saw respective gains of +3% and +7% in those measured categories.
In relation to all the cable networks, CNN rose from eighth to seventh place in total viewers and climbed to No. 16 in the demo during primetime. Across total day, it remained No. 5 in total viewers and jumped two spots from No. 10 to No. 8 in the demo.
