Here Are the Cable News Ratings for February 2026

February continued the optimistic momentum for the cable news networks, as all three noticed progress in primetime complete viewers and the Adults 25-54 demo. The frigid winter climate all through the month, certainly one of February’s huge tales, additionally saved viewers indoors, resulting in elevated viewership.

Fox News and MS NOW had good points throughout complete day in each measured classes. Fox News accounted for all the highest 100 cable news telecasts of the month.

Meanwhile, CNN skilled a month-to-month decline within the demo throughout complete day. 

Fox News

According to Nielsen huge information + panel, Fox News in February had 2.612 million complete viewers in primetime and 260,000 viewers within the adults 25-54 demo. During complete day, it had 1.718 million complete viewers and 168,000 viewers within the demo.

Compared to its January 2026 efficiency, Fox News grew by +28% in complete viewers and +32% within the A25-54 demo throughout primetime viewing hours. While in complete day, the community noticed good points of +19% in complete viewers and +18% within the demo when in comparison with the earlier month. 

Looking at Fox News’ efficiency towards the identical month in 2025, it was down by -15% in complete viewers and by -33% within the demo throughout primetime. While in complete day, it was down by -14% in complete viewers and -33% within the demo—it was the one community inside this yearly comparability to file declines throughout the board in each measured classes.

The community completed January in first place amongst complete viewers and was No. 3 within the demo throughout primetime. During complete day, it remained in first in complete viewers and dropped to 3rd from second within the demo. 

MS NOW

MS NOW remained the No. 2 cable news community in complete viewers in primetime and complete day, with 1.136 million and 708,000 viewers, respectively, in February. The community within the A25-54 demo had 131,000 viewers in primetime and 79,000 viewers throughout complete day. 

Compared to January, MS NOW was up +28% in complete viewers and +72% in A25-54 throughout primetime. During complete day it grew by +21% in complete viewers and +44% within the demo.

Looking at its efficiency in December 2024, MS NOW was up +1% in complete viewers and +18% within the demo throughout primetime. It was additionally up +11% in complete viewers and +20% within the demo throughout complete day.

MS NOW slipped to fourth from third throughout primetime and was No. 3 throughout complete day with complete viewers. It completed No. 8 tied with Comedy Central within the demo throughout primetime, and ranked seventh within the demo throughout complete day.

CNN