Cable News Ratings Rundown: Who Dominated Tuesday, August 12, 2025?

Tuesday, August 12, 2025, unfolded as another reaffirmation of Fox News Channel's commanding lead in the competitive cable news arena, capturing the top spots in both total viewership and the crucial 25-54 demographic during primetime and throughout the day. The evening's ratings showcased familiar trends, with MSNBC firmly holding its ground as the second-place contender, while CNN continued its battle for consistent audience share.

During the coveted primetime hours, Fox News soared with an average of 2.5 million total viewers and an impressive 260,000 in the 25-54 demo.

The network's programming slate consistently delivered robust numbers. 'The Five' kicked off the evening with a staggering 3.2 million total viewers and 330,000 in the demographic, cementing its status as the most-watched show in cable news. Following suit, 'Jesse Watters Primetime' held strong with 2.8 million total viewers and 290,000 in the key demo, consistently outpacing its direct competitors.

'Hannity' at 9 PM Eastern continued its dominant run, drawing 2.6 million total viewers and 270,000 in the 25-54 demo, while 'Gutfeld!' closed out the primetime block with 2.3 million total viewers and 240,000 in the demo, showcasing its unique appeal among late-night offerings.

MSNBC, while positioned behind Fox News, delivered a solid performance, securing a strong second place.

The network averaged 1.5 million total viewers and 160,000 in the 25-54 demographic during primetime. The network's consistent highlight, 'The Rachel Maddow Show' at 9 PM, continued to be its flagship, attracting 1.8 million total viewers and 185,000 in the demo, making it the highest-rated non-Fox News program of the night.

Other key programs throughout the evening also contributed to MSNBC's steady viewership, underscoring its appeal to a loyal progressive audience.

CNN, despite its efforts to innovate its programming, found itself in third place for both total viewers and the 25-54 demographic on this particular Tuesday evening.

Its primetime average settled around 650,000 total viewers and 75,000 in the crucial demographic. While shows like 'Anderson Cooper 360' (which saw 750,000 total viewers and 85,000 in the demo), 'The Source with Kaitlan Collins,' and 'Laura Coates Live' remain central to its lineup, the network consistently faced challenges in significantly narrowing the gap with its leading competitors.

In summary, Tuesday, August 12, 2025, underscored Fox News's unwavering stronghold in the cable news landscape, particularly during the high-stakes evening hours.

While MSNBC showcased its consistent pull, driven by established personalities and programs, CNN continues its strategic adjustments to cultivate a broader and more consistent audience base. The detailed figures from this Tuesday provide crucial insights into ongoing viewer preferences and the dynamic shifts within the intensely competitive cable news ecosystem.