Fox News Channel finished the week of August 1st as basic cable’s most-watched network, both in prime time and in total day (6 a.m. – 6 a.m.). FNC has topped basic cable prime time 8 out of the past 9 weeks and this marks the 6th consecutive week at the No.1 spot in total day viewers. Additionally, Fox News aired the season finale of their prime time original series Legends and Lies: The Patriots this past Sunday. Season 2 out-performed its season 1 average by 35 percent in total viewers and by 36 percent in the key 25-54 demo.
All in all, Fox News was down 49 percent in total prime time viewers and down 21 percent in total day viewers from the same week in 2015. In fairness, that was the same week during which FNC televised their record-breaking 2016 GOP primary debate in prime time.
Elsewhere in the cable news universe, MSNBC hauled a 6th-place finish in total prime time viewers, and was up 83.5 percent year-over-year. The network delivered an 8th-place finish in total day viewers, improving 87 percent year-over-year.
CNN clocked in at No. 9 in total prime time viewers, up 86 percent year-over-year, and No. 10 in total day viewers, up 69 percent year-over-year.
USA, HGTV, TBS and History join Fox News to round out the top 5 most-watched prime time cable networks for the week. Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim and Nick-at-Nite follow Fox News in top 5 average total day viewers.
Check out the weekly cable ranker below:
Basic Cable Network Ranker: Week of August 1 (Total Viewers)