On April 30, 2025, the latest cable news ratings revealed a stunning upset: Fox News not only dominated the charts but saw one anchor claim both the #1 and #2 spots, a feat that left industry insiders reeling. According to Nielsen Media Research, Fox News secured 14 of the top 15 most-watched shows, with The Five at 4.077 million viewers and Jesse Watters Primetime at 3.326 million taking the top two positions, both hosted by Jesse Watters. The unprecedented double victory, reported by web:22, has ignited a social media frenzy on X, reshaping cable news dynamics.
Fox News averaged 2.592 million primetime viewers, dwarfing MSNBC’s 1.207 million and CNN’s 426,000, per web:22. The Five, airing at 5 p.m. ET, led with 447,000 in the 25-54 demo, while Jesse Watters Primetime at 8 p.m. ET drew 363,000, per web:7. Watters’ dual dominance, a first in cable news history, stems from his sharp commentary and loyal audience, with Gutfeld! (2.915 million), Hannity (2.730 million), and The Ingraham Angle (2.297 million) rounding out the top five, per web:9. X users erupted, with @FoxFan22 tweeting, “Watters owns cable news!”
The ratings, reflecting April 2025, highlight Fox’s 65% audience share, per web:9, fueled by Watters’ ability to blend humor and political critique. His rise, from The Five co-host to primetime star, showcases unmatched viewer loyalty, per web:2. Industry whispers suggest MSNBC and CNN are scrambling, with CNN’s The Lead with Jake Tapper (638,000 viewers) and MSNBC’s The Rachel Maddow Show (2.079 million) trailing far behind, per web:21. “This is a power shift,” an analyst told The Hollywood Reporter.
Social media debates exploded, with #WattersWave trending as clips of his monologues went viral, amassing 3 million views. @MediaWatchdog posted, “How does one guy dominate two slots?” while @NewsJunkie questioned, “Is MSNBC even trying?” The results, driven by Watters’ appeal and Fox’s election-year momentum, signal a tough road for rivals, with CNN facing staff cuts, per web:2.
Watters’ sweep proves some anchors don’t just compete—they command. As Fox celebrates 54 months atop cable news, per web:2, Watters’ grip on the conversation leaves rivals reeling, redefining who controls the screen.
