CNN Primetime Ratings Plummet to New Lows

CNN’s primetime viewership on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, fell below 500,000 total viewers, with the critical 25-54 demographic dropping under 100,000, signaling ongoing struggles for the network.

According to AdWeek, “The Source with Kaitlan Collins” at 9 p.m. ET drew 464,000 total viewers, followed by “NewsNight with Abby Phillip” at 10 p.m. with 459,000, and “Laura Coates Live” at 11 p.m. with a mere 269,000. Only “Anderson Cooper 360” at 8 p.m. crossed the half-million mark, attracting 535,000 viewers.

In the 25-54 demographic, prized by advertisers, CNN’s primetime shows performed dismally: Cooper led with 93,000, Phillip had 90,000, Collins garnered 76,000, and Coates trailed with 46,000.

Independent journalist Glenn Greenwald commented, “CNN’s collapse accelerates, hitting a stunning low under Kaitlan Collins and Abby Phillip: below 500,000 total viewers in primetime and well below 100,000 for viewers under 55. It’s almost impossible to do this poorly.”

CNN’s top hour lagged behind MSNBC’s weakest and was dwarfed by Fox News. MSNBC’s “The 11th Hour with Stephanie Ruhle” at 11 p.m. drew 799,000 total viewers and 99,000 in the 25-54 group, while Fox News’ “FOX News @ Night” with Trace Gallagher pulled in over 1.5 million total viewers and 194,000 in the key demographic.

CNN’s ratings woes are not new. In November 2024, the network recorded its lowest-rated week since June 2001, averaging just 268,000 viewers, compared to Fox News’ 1.4 million. These figures highlight CNN’s ongoing challenge to regain viewership amid a shifting media landscape.