Fox News continues to reign supreme in the cable news landscape, and a key driver of its success is the 8 p.m. juggernaut, Jesse Watters Primetime.
Host Jesse Watters has solidified the show as a viewer magnet, surpassing even the formidable legacy of his predecessor, Tucker Carlson, who left the network abruptly in 2023. In an interview, Watters attributed his success to authenticity: “Fox lets me be myself every night.”
Nielsen’s latest data for Q3 2025 underscores this, revealing Jesse Watters Primetime averaging 3.3 million viewers—a 15% jump over Carlson’s numbers in the same slot—making it the top-rated primetime show across all cable news.
This performance helped Fox News secure its 95th consecutive quarter as the No. 1 cable news network, a streak stretching back to 2002 during President George W. Bush’s first term. Watters’ blend of sharp wit, biting sarcasm, and populist commentary has cemented his show as a cornerstone of Fox’s primetime lineup, alongside heavyweights like Hannity and Gutfeld!, both of which also outpace competitors on MSNBC and CNN.
According to Forbes, this claim aligns with Fox’s ability to draw diverse viewers, even as its populist bent resonates strongly with conservative audiences. The network’s formula—combining provocative takes with accessible humor—has kept it ahead in a fractured media landscape, where competitors like podcasts and streaming platforms vie for attention.
The Post-Carlson EraWatters’ rise marks a successful pivot for Fox in the wake of Carlson’s exit. Jesse Watters Primetime not only retained the 8 p.m. audience but grew it, leveraging Watters’ knack for delivering hot takes with a smirk. His show’s Q3 2025 triumph—3.3 million viewers nightly—outshone MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow Show and CNN’s primetime offerings, reinforcing Fox’s grip on the 25-54 demo and total viewers.