February 2026 Cable News Ratings: Fox News Leads Amid Declines for Competitors

During the week of February 2, 2026, Fox News emerged as the only cable news network to experience week-to-week gains in total viewers and the Adults 25-54 demographic, marking its highest-rated week of the year. According to Nielsen data, Fox News averaged 2.633 million total viewers and 275,000 viewers in the A25-54 demographic during primetime, reflecting increases of 3% and 12%, respectively, compared to the previous week. In total day viewing, Fox News also led with 1.725 million total viewers and 175,000 in the demo, achieving a 4% rise in total viewers and a 9% increase in the demo.

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In contrast, both MS NOW and CNN reported declines across all measured categories. MS NOW averaged 1.095 million total viewers and 134,000 A25-54 viewers during primetime, experiencing a 12% drop in total viewers and an 11% decline in the demo compared to the previous week. In total day viewing, MS NOW's numbers fell to 680,000 total viewers and 75,000 demo viewers, translating to a 10% decrease in total viewers and a 15% decline in the demo.

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CNN's performance was similarly weak, with an average of 753,000 total primetime viewers and 142,000 in the A25-54 demographic, reflecting a 9% drop in total viewers and a 16% decline in the demo. In total day viewing, CNN averaged 527,000 total viewers and 85,000 demo viewers, marking an 11% decrease in total viewers and a 19% decline in the demo.

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When comparing these ratings to the same period a year prior, Fox News showed a significant turnaround, having been down 14% in total viewers and 31% in the A25-54 demo at that time. Conversely, MS NOW had a mixed performance, with a slight decline in total viewers but a 14% increase in the demo. CNN, however, had a notable year-over-year growth, with increases of 48% in total viewers and 23% in the demo during primetime.

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Fox News dominated the programming charts, securing 13 of the 15 most-watched cable news shows of the week. "The Five" led the ratings with 4.081 million total viewers at 5 p.m. ET and regained the top spot in the A25-54 demo with 364,000 viewers. MS NOW's "The Rachel Maddow Show" was the only non-Fox News program to make the list, finishing seventh with 2.399 million total viewers. CNN's highest-rated show, "CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip," garnered 186,000 demo viewers.

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Fox News's continued success has been attributed to its strong programming and viewer engagement strategies. In contrast, both MS NOW and CNN are facing challenges in retaining their audiences, prompting discussions about potential shifts in their programming strategies to regain viewership.

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This analysis of cable news ratings highlights the competitive landscape as Fox News continues to thrive while its competitors struggle to maintain their audience share.

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