FOX Business Network (FBN) recorded its 13th consecutive monthly lead over CNBC with business day viewers in May 2026, according to Nielsen Media Research Big Data + Panel. FBN’s flagship market open and close programs, Varney & Co. and Kudlow continue to lead as the top two programs in all of business news.
From 9:30 AM-5 PM/ET, the network drew 243,000 business day viewers, its 13th straight victory over CNBC. Meanwhile, FBN scored 240,000 viewers during market hours marking 14% growth compared to May 2025. In total day viewers, FBN delivered 146,000 viewers, notching a 7% year-over-year increase.
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| Varney and Kudlow |
The network’s marquee market opener, Varney & Co. (9 AM-12 PM/ET) hosted by Stuart Varney, ranked as the top business news program (297,000 viewers) beating its competition Squawk on the Street/Money Movers for the 51st straight month with a 13% advantage. FBN’s signature eponymous program, Larry Kudlow’s Kudlow (4 PM/ET) followed as the second top business program nabbing 294,000 viewers. This marked its 56th victory over Closing Bell with a 41% advantage.
FBN’s pre-market program, Mornings with Maria (6-9 AM/ET) saw a 4% year-over-year increase delivering 126,000 viewers. The network’s afternoon programs each saw double-digital gains compared to May 2025. The Big Money Show (12-2 PM/ET) secured 217,000 viewers, a 21% year-over-year increase, Making Money with Charles Payne (2 PM/ET) posted a whopping 26% year-over-year growth seeing 205,000 viewers and The Claman Countdown (3 PM/ET;197,000 viewers) earned a 13% increased compared to May 2025.
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| RoadMN Graphic |
In May, The Evening Edit (5 PM/ET; 217,000 viewers) achieved a 23% advantage over CNBC’s Fast Money, marking the program's 27th consecutive monthly victory. Additionally, The Bottom Line (6 PM/ET) swept its competition Mad Money by 11% for the 27th straight month garnering 161,000 viewers. On Fridays, Maria Bartiromo’s Wall Street (Fridays, 7-7:30 PM/ET) delivered 84,000 viewers, marking a 6% advantage over CNBC’s Shark Tank. Meanwhile, Barron’s Roundtable (Fridays, 7:30-8 PM/ET) drew 59,000 viewers.
Additionally, Maria Bartiromo’s Wall Street’s audience had the top median income in cable news with $236,600 in the 25-54 demo. Making Money with Charles Payne and The Big Money Show rounded out the top ten with $176,800 or more.