Newly-Promoted Fox Host Scores Record-Breaking Ratings In Debut Show
“Rookie mistake. Set the bar too high.” That was the reaction from Fox News’ newest primetime host, Will Cain, after his debut episode shattered ratings records and secured his place as a major force in cable news.
Fox News’ debut of The Will Cain Show pulled in a staggering 3.5 million viewers and 451,000 in the key 25-54 demographic on Tuesday, making it the highest-rated daytime debut in the network’s history. Cain’s first show delivered an impressive 68% share of cable news viewers and an even higher 73% share among the 25-54 demo.
Cain’s debut more than doubled the network’s 2024 average for the 4 PM ET slot, with a 106% increase in total viewership and a 128% spike in the coveted 25-54 demographic. The show’s performance also ranked within the top 10 telecasts across all of television, surpassing every CNN and MSNBC program as well as major broadcast hits like ABC’s The Rookie and CBS’ FBI: International.
On the same day, The Five was the most-watched program in all of television, drawing nearly 6 million viewers and 762,000 in the 25-54 demo. Other network heavyweights, including Special Report with Bret Baier (4.6 million viewers), The Ingraham Angle (4 million viewers), and Jesse Watters Primetime (4.7 million viewers), all saw significant ratings.
By contrast, MSNBC’s The Rachel Maddow Show only managed 1.68 million viewers, with a mere 149,000 in the key demo, while CNN’s 9 PM ET hour attracted just 708,000 total viewers and 177,000 in the 25-54 demo.
Cain, a conservative columnist, political analyst, and television host, is best known for his work on Fox News, where he co-hosted Fox & Friends Weekend. Cain previously worked at ESPN, where he was a commentator and hosted The Will Cain Show, focusing on sports and culture with a conservative perspective.
Before his career in media, Cain worked in law and business, having earned a law degree from the University of Texas. He has contributed to outlets such as The Blaze and JP, offering commentary on politics, culture, and sports.
Pete Hegseth, Will Cain, Donald Trump
Across primetime, Fox secured 4.1 million total viewers and 609,000 in the 25-54 demographic, maintaining a comfortable lead over its competition. During the total day, the network averaged 2.7 million viewers and 371,000 in the 25-54 demo.
A number of Fox News programs, including Gutfeld!, The Faulkner Focus, Outnumbered, and America Reports, all saw post-election viewership highs, each drawing more than 3 million viewers. Remarkably, every Fox program from 8 AM ET through midnight averaged over 2 million viewers—an achievement that neither CNN nor MSNBC could match.
Several prominent media outlets besides Fox are currently facing challenges. The Washington Post, once enjoying a surge in readership, has seen a dramatic decline in daily active users, plummeting from 22.5 million in 2021 to around 2.5–3 million by the 2024 elections. The downturn has led to financial losses, staff layoffs, and the departure of notable reporters.
CNN is also struggling with declining viewership and poor election ratings, sparking internal tensions and concerns over further staff reductions. In response, CNN cut 100 jobs in the summer of 2024, with more layoffs expected. Similarly, MSNBC has faced declining ratings and leadership changes as it attempts to revamp its programming.