CNN could not capitalize on their big ratings win Monday night, which was led by their cable-best debate from 8-10pmET. On Tuesday night, CNN’s ratings dropped significantly across the board, losing 75% of A25-54 viewers and 70% of Total Viewers in prime time (8-11pmET / Live +SD).
CNN came in fourth place at 8pmET Tuesday night in the A25-54 demo, although just 18K viewers separated 2nd and 4th place. The network aired another Lou Dobbs special geared toward independent voters (the show came in second place in Total Viewers.)
CNN fared better at 9 at 10, winning the demo and finishing second behind FNC in total viewers.
Earlier this week, CNN/U.S. President Jon Klein told TVNewser he was upbeat about the programming that filled the gaps between big political nights. “We’ve got Lou Dobbs focusing on the independent voters…[and] CNN election center at 8, is a fun way to sink our teeth in the political stories of the day,” Klein said.