Television dominance in July is claimed by our website channel, while CNN struggles significantly among a crucial demographic
In July 2021, Fox News significantly outperformed other cable news networks and even major broadcast networks in ratings, particularly in primetime.
Fox News Channel averaged about 2.4 to 2.8 million primetime viewers, which was higher than NBC (~2.1 to 2.4 million), CBS (2 million), and ABC (1.9 to 2.3 million) during the same period[1][2][3][4]. The network also dominated all cable news with 1.5 million total day viewers, far ahead of MSNBC (530,000) and CNN (around 370,000 total day viewers), with CNN hitting a notably low primetime audience of roughly 497,000 viewers, lagging behind ESPN and lifestyle channels as well[1][2].
Fox News had the top 13 of the 15 most-watched cable news shows, with The Five leading at around 3.5 million viewers, while CNN and MSNBC each had fewer, with MSNBC taking the 7th and 15th spots[2]. Fox News also led in key demos and across Asian and Hispanic viewer groups in total day viewership[1].
Over multiple weekly measures in July, Fox News consistently topped not just cable news competitors CNN and MSNBC, but also the major broadcast networks for primetime viewership[1][2][3][4].
"Sunday Morning Futures" was the No. 1 cable news program on Sundays, averaging 1.7 million viewers. Fox News Channel's FOX & Friends remained the No. 1 cable news program in the mornings in both total viewers and the demo for the 53rd consecutive month.
In late-night television ratings, Fox News' Greg Gutfeld is dominating, outdrewing "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" despite the free advertising generated by Colbert's announcement of the show's cancellation in 2026. "The Big Weekend Show" was the No. 1 cable news program on Saturdays, averaging 1.5 million viewers.
Fox News Channel commanded 63% of the cable news share with viewers across total day and 64% in primetime during July. The network averaged 184,000 total day viewers among the advertiser-coveted demographic of adults aged 25-54 to finish atop all cable offerings. "The Five" on Fox News Channel led cable news in both total viewers and demo viewers, averaging 3.5 million total viewers and 378,000 among the demo.
Tragically, Fox News Media producer Robert Shaffer passed away after a long illness. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.
In conclusion, Fox News dominated the July 2021 cable news landscape by a wide margin in both total and primetime viewers, maintaining a strong lead over CNN, MSNBC, and even surpassing broadcast networks in key time slots[1][2][3][4].
[1] Nielsen Media Research [2] Adweek [3] Variety [4] The Hollywood Reporter
- Despite Fox News' dominance in cable news ratings, their entertainment division faced criticism on social media for lackluster programming compared to pop-culture offerings from other networks.
- Politicians often use social-media platforms to engage with their constituents, but Fox News personalities have proven to be more influential, driving discussions about politics among their large viewership.
- The rise of Fox News' celebrity hosts has blurred the lines between entertainment and political commentary, leading to a unique fusion of pop-culture and politics on the network.
