The 28 Most-Watched Cable News Shows of 2017 So Far, From Rachel Maddow to Tucker Carlson (Photos)
CNN, MSNBC and Fox News have all thrived during the Trump administration, but only one show can wear the crown as most-watched during the first quarter of 2017.
The key demographic that advertisers use to measure news programing is adults age 25-54, so that is how TheWrap will rank them to determine the most-popular show.
28. “CNN Newsroom”
CNN’s mid-day news program averaged 249,000 viewers among the key news demo of adults age 25-54 during the first quarter of 2017.
“Anderson Cooper 360” Repeat
The late-night replay of “AC 360” averaged 252,000 viewers among the key demo.
“Wolf”
The Wolf Blitzer newscast averaged 258,000 viewers between the ages 25-54 during the first three months of 2017.
“Hardball”
Chris Matthews’ nightly show on MSNBC averaged 286,000 viewers among the key demo.
“The Lead with Jake Tapper”
Tapper has been praised for holding President Trump accountable, but doesn’t crack the Top 20 cable news shows. He averaged 287,000 viewers among the key demo in the first quarter.
“Tucker Carlson Tonight” Repeat
The late-night repeat of “Tucker Carlson Tonight” averaged 319,000 viewers as the conservative commentator continues to succeed as Megyn Kelly’s replacement on Fox News.
“Situation Room”
Wolf Blitzer’s other daily CNN program averaged 320,000 viewers among the key demo, topping No. 26 “Wolf” despite the same host.
“11th Hour with Brian Williams”
Brian Williams’ return to primetime has been a success, averaging 329,000 viewers among the key demo since the beginning of 2017.
“Shepard Smith Reporting”
Shepard Smith’s program averaged 331,000 demo viewers and many Fox News fans have noticed that he has held President Trump accountable early in his administration.
“All In with Chris Hayes”
MSNBC’s 8 p.m. ET host averaged 340,000 demo viewers to set up Rachel Maddow at 9 p.m.
“America’s News HQ”
Fox News’ weekend mid-day newscast averaged 343,000 viewers among the key demo.
“Your World with Neil Cavuto”
The Fox Business Network star averages 348,000 viewers among the key demo when he heads to FBN’s sister station, Fox News, for a daily program.
“Happening Now”
Jon Scott and Jenna Lee’s weekday newscast on Fox News averaged 352,000 viewers among the key news demo.
“Erin Burnett Outfront”
CNN’s “Outfront” averaged 367,000 demo viewers as Burnett continues to be among the most popular female anchors in cable news
“Fox & Friends”
The show often praised by President Trump dominates cable news morning shows, averaging 376,000 demo viewers while MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” averaged 182,000 and CNN’s “New Day” picked up 205,000 in the same category.
“CNN Tonight”
Don Lemon’s nightly show is technically tied with No. 12 “Outnumbered,” but we broke the tie by looking at total viewers, as opposed to the demo. Both programs averaged 381,000 demo viewers, but “Outnumbered” averaged 2 million total viewers compared to 1.1 million for “CNN Tonight.”
“Outnumbered”
The Fox News midday show that features “One Lucky Guy” surrounded by four female co-hosts averaged 381,000 viewers among to tie Don Lemon among the key demo.
“Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell”
The former “West Wing” writer averages 392,000 demo viewers, almost cracking the Top 10.
“America’s Newsroom”
Bill Hemmer and Shannon Bream’s newscast averaged 405,000 viewers among the key demo and recently made news when Judge Andrew Napolitano returned to Fox News Channel with an appearance on the show.
“The O’Reilly Factor” Repeat
The late-night replay of “The O’Reilly Factor” averaged 435,000 viewers among the key demo, proving how incredibly popular Bill O’Reilly remains.
“Anderson Cooper 360”
Cooper hosts CNN’s most popular show, which averaged 470,000 viewers among the key demo.
“The Five”
Fox News’ “The Five” just moved into a fancy new studio and continues to be among the most-watched shows on cable, averaging 522,000 demo viewers.
“The Rachel Maddow Show”
MSNBC’s most-watched show has been on fire and recently made headlines by releasing President Trump’s 2005 tax return. Maddow averaged 527,000 viewers among the demo during the first quarter of 2017.
“Special Report”
Bret Baier’s non-opinion based newscast averaged 533,000 viewers among the demo, making it the most-watched straight news program in cable news.
“The First 100 Days”
Martha MacCallum’s show might only be around for the first 100 days of Trump presidency, but it averaged 540,000 viewers to make her the most-watched female on cable news.
“Hannity”
Sean Hannity’s Trump-friendly program has become must-see TV for fans of POTUS and the ratings are proof, as it averaged 668,000 viewers among the key demo.
“Tucker Carlson Tonight”
Megyn Kelly’s replacement quickly became a fan favorite of Fox News supporters, averaging 689,000 viewers among the key demo.
“The O’Reilly Factor”
Bill O’Reilly continues to absolutely dominate the cable news landscape, averaging 728,000 demo viewers. When adding in the 8 p.m. ET airing with the late-night replay, “Factor” racks up over 1 million viewers between the ages 25-54 every night.
