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Philadelphia Today
By the People, for the People
Fox News Beats CBS in Primetime Viewership, Marking Strongest Monthly Performance in a Year
The network saw a 28% increase in primetime viewers and a 32% increase in the key 25-54 demographic compared to January 2026.
Published on Feb. 25, 2026
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Fox News Channel (FNC) surpassed CBS in primetime viewership during February 2026, averaging 2.6 million viewers compared to CBS' weakest month since 2000. FNC also led CBS in the key 25-54 demographic, marking the first time in 2026 the network has topped the broadcast network in both metrics. This was one of FNC's strongest monthly performances since March 2025, with the network accounting for all top 100 cable news telecasts of the month.
Why it matters
Fox News' dominance in primetime viewership and the key demographic underscores the network's continued strength and appeal to its audience, even as broadcast networks like CBS struggle to maintain viewership. This performance highlights Fox News' ability to attract and retain viewers, which is crucial for the network's advertising revenue and influence.
The details
FNC averaged 3.1 million viewers and 316,000 in the 25-54 demo in weekday primetime, surpassing CBS' 2 million viewers and 278,000 in the demo. Across total day, FNC delivered 1.7 million viewers and ranked No. 1 in cable news among Hispanic and upscale audiences throughout primetime. The network's nightly newscast "Special Report with Bret Baier" averaged more than 3.1 million viewers and 289,000 in 25-54 audiences, its most-watched month since March 2025.
- Fox News Channel (FNC) capped February by outpacing CBS in primetime viewership for the month.
- This was the first time in 2026 that FNC has led CBS in both total viewers and the key 25-54 demographic.
The players
Fox News Channel (FNC)
An American cable news channel that is owned by the Fox Corporation.
CBS
An American commercial broadcast television and radio network that is a flagship property of Paramount Global.
Bret Baier
The anchor of FNC's nightly newscast "Special Report with Bret Baier".
The takeaway
Fox News' strong primetime performance, including beating CBS in both total viewers and the key 25-54 demographic, underscores the network's continued dominance in cable news and its ability to attract and retain a loyal audience. This success comes as broadcast networks like CBS struggle to maintain viewership, highlighting Fox News' enduring appeal and influence in the media landscape.
