Full Breakdown
January 2026 Cable News Ratings: Fox News Leads Amidst Rivals' Gains
1/29/2026, 1:19:46 PM
Overview of Cable News Viewership
In January 2026, Fox News maintained its position as the leading cable news network, averaging 2.05 million viewers in primetime, despite a 26% decline from the previous year. Meanwhile, MSNBC (MS NOW) and CNN experienced significant viewership increases during a month marked by notable news events, including the arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
Viewership Breakdown
In the primetime slot, MSNBC averaged 887,000 viewers, reflecting a 21% increase from 734,000 in January 2025. CNN also saw a rise, averaging 660,000 viewers, up 26% from 522,000 the previous year. In the key demographic of viewers aged 25-54, Fox News averaged 197,000, down 44% from 353,000 in January 2025. Conversely, CNN's 135,000 viewers represented a 14% increase from 118,000, while MSNBC's 76,000 viewers marked a 21% rise from 63,000.
In total day viewership, Fox News averaged 1.45 million, down 24% from 1.92 million a year earlier. MSNBC's total day viewership increased to 589,000, up 16% from 506,000, and CNN averaged 510,000, a 21% increase from 421,000 in January 2025.
Top Programs and Highlights
Fox News's program "The Five" was the highest-rated show in cable news, averaging 3.73 million viewers. Other top shows included "Jesse Watters Primetime" with 3.01 million and "Gutfeld!" with 2.76 million. In the 25-54 demographic, "The Five" led with 328,000 viewers, followed by "Gutfeld!" with 314,000.
MSNBC's leading program, "The Rachel Maddow Show," averaged 1.88 million viewers, while CNN's most-watched show, "CNN Newsroom," attracted 730,000 viewers. Notably, MSNBC reported that its dayside coverage of former special counsel Jack Smith's testimony to Congress drew an average of 1.2 million viewers, indicating strong interest in political developments.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite Fox News's continued dominance, the significant drop in its viewership raises questions about its appeal amid changing viewer preferences. Critics may argue that the network's reliance on certain narratives may not resonate with a broader audience, especially as rivals like MSNBC and CNN capitalize on current events to attract viewers.
Official Statements & Responses
MSNBC highlighted its growth in viewership, emphasizing the success of its political coverage. CNN noted that January marked its most-watched primetime month since the November 2024 election, suggesting a resurgence in viewer interest.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Fox News remains the leader in overall viewership, the extent of its decline compared to the gains of its competitors presents a complex picture. The reasons behind these shifts in audience engagement remain to be fully explored, as the landscape of cable news continues to evolve.
What's Next
As the year progresses, it will be essential to monitor how these trends develop, particularly with upcoming political events and potential changes in programming strategies across the networks.
