CNN Ratings in August 2018: A Month of Cable News
The month of August 2018 was an eventful one for CNN, with a mix of breaking news, analysis, and special programming driving its ratings. This article delves into the key trends and highlights from CNN's ratings during this period.
Primetime Ratings: CNN vs. Fox News and MSNBC
In the primetime hours (8-11 PM ET), CNN faced stiff competition from Fox News and MSNBC. Fox News maintained its lead, while CNN and MSNBC vied for the second spot. Here's a breakdown of the average total viewers and the 25-54 demographic, the key age group for advertisers:
| Network | Total Viewers | 25-54 Demo |
|---|---|---|
| Fox News | 2,527 | 507 |
| CNN | 922 | 277 |
| MSNBC | 1,834 | 382 |
CNN's Top Primetime Shows
CNN's primetime lineup was anchored by "Anderson Cooper 360°" and "Cuomo Prime Time." Here are the average total viewers and 25-54 demo for these shows:

- "Anderson Cooper 360°" (8 PM ET): 1,043K total viewers, 324K in the 25-54 demo
- "Cuomo Prime Time" (9 PM ET): 1,013K total viewers, 319K in the 25-54 demo
Daytime Ratings: CNN's Informative Programming
CNN's daytime programming, led by shows like "The Lead with Jake Tapper" and "At This Hour," offered in-depth analysis and news coverage. Here's how CNN fared in the daytime hours (9 AM-5 PM ET) compared to Fox News and MSNBC:
| Network | Total Viewers | 25-54 Demo |
|---|---|---|
| Fox News | 1,617 | 329 |
| CNN | 863 | 241 |
| MSNBC | 1,372 | 285 |
CNN's Top Daytime Shows
CNN's top daytime shows included "The Lead with Jake Tapper" and "CNN Newsroom." Here are their average total viewers and 25-54 demo:
- "The Lead with Jake Tapper" (4 PM ET): 1,056K total viewers, 303K in the 25-54 demo
- "CNN Newsroom" (1 PM ET): 977K total viewers, 276K in the 25-54 demo
Special Programming and Events
CNN aired several special programs and events throughout August 2018, which contributed to its ratings. Some notable examples include:
- CNN's town halls and special events, such as the "CNN Democratic Town Hall" and "CNN Republican Town Hall," attracted significant viewership.
- CNN's breaking news coverage, including the developments in the Trump-Russia investigation and the ongoing midterm elections, drew viewers to the network.
In conclusion, August 2018 was a month filled with news events and special programming for CNN, which translated into solid ratings. While Fox News maintained its lead, CNN held its ground and offered informative and engaging programming to its viewers.