CNN's primetime programming recently experienced a significant ratings slump, falling behind even the Food Network in viewership. During a week packed with major news events, including the murder of a prominent CEO, political developments, and international conflicts, CNN's primetime lineup attracted an average of just 367,000 viewers. This placed them 17th among cable stations, a stark contrast to Fox News Channel's 2.5 million viewers during the same period.
CNN's viewership struggles extended to the coveted 25-54 demographic, where they ranked 26th with an average of only 67,000 viewers. This poor performance was highlighted by the fact that several networks, including TV Land and Comedy Central, outperformed CNN in this key demographic. Fox News, meanwhile, dominated with 280,000 viewers in the same demographic.
This recent downturn follows a broader trend of declining ratings for CNN. The network experienced its lowest-rated week since June 2001 in late November, averaging a mere 268,000 viewers compared to Fox News's 1.4 million. Adding to CNN's challenges, the network is facing a defamation lawsuit from a U.S. Navy veteran regarding a 2021 segment aired on "The Lead with Jake Tapper."
