Maddow Back On Top Thursday Night, Leads Cable News In Key Demo

It looks like in the post-midterm cable news landscape, Fox News’ recent dominance in the ratings may once again see a challenge. And that challenge comes from a familiar face.

According to Nielsen, MSNBC’s The Rachel Maddow Show was the number one program in cable news in the key 25-54 demographic, averaging 674,000 viewers. The primetime broadcast placed third in total viewership (3.235 million), finishing behind Fox News’ Hannity (3.540 million) and Tucker Carlson Tonight (3.458 million), which was guest hosted by Brian Kilmeade.

Prior to Fox destroying the competition during the Kavanaugh hearings and migrant caravan coverage, Maddow celebrated her 10th year on the air by posting her best week ever while leading cable news in viewership.

During the primetime 8 PM to 11 PM hours, Fox News averaged 3.265 million million total viewers and 615,000 in the key demo. MSNBC attracted a demo audience of 516,000 and 2.696 million viewers overall. CNN pulled in 1.302 million total viewers and 387,000 in the key demo.

In the 9 AM to 5 PM dayside slot, FNC nabbed a total viewership of 1.879 million and 331,000 in the demographic. CNN captured a demo audience of 303,000 and 1.073 million total viewers. MSNBC grabbed 1.242 million viewers overall and 186,000 in the 25-54 metric.

Over on CNN, the most-watched program of the day was Cuomo Prime Time, which drew 1.395 million total viewers. The 10 PM broadcast of CNN Tonight led in the demo with 395,000.