President Trump began his second term. A new administration took over. MSNBC experienced a significant 61% rise in primetime viewership.
This rise was noted in Nielsen ratings.
During the week of January 20 to January 24, 2025, MSNBC attracted 1.3 million viewers, compared to an average of 799,000 viewers in the previous three weeks.
In the first week of Trump’s new presidency, MSNBC achieved its highest viewership for both total day and primetime. This was since the presidential election. The network had 591,000 total viewers during the day. It also had 1.3 million during primetime.
The transition from the Biden to Trump administrations played a role in MSNBC’s increased viewership. Important confirmation hearings, the inauguration, and numerous executive orders also contributed. January saw a 39% rise in primetime viewers compared to December, and a 26% increase in total day viewers.
MSNBC’s dayside coverage outperformed CNN during the Cabinet Confirmation Hearings. MSNBC averaged 620,000 viewers. This marks a 50% increase from previous averages. Meanwhile, CNN had 556,000 viewers. MSNBC Dayside also made gains in audience size across demographics.
On the evening of Trump’s inauguration, MSNBC surpassed CNN in primetime viewership for the first time ever. Additionally, the network led CNN on inauguration morning for the first time since 2005.
In the following weeks, MSNBC’s primetime viewership continued to grow for a fourth consecutive week. It attracted nearly double the number of Republican and Independent viewers compared to CNN. Weekday primetime averages reached 920,000 viewers for MSNBC versus CNN’s 603,000.
From 4 p.m. to midnight, all of MSNBC’s weekday programs saw significant audience growth, outperforming CNN in their respective slots. As “The Rachel Maddow Show” returned to a five-day schedule, it garnered 2.3 times more viewers than CNN’s “The Source with Kaitlan Collins.”
Since 2017, “Morning Joe” has significantly widened its lead over CNN’s morning shows. In January, it doubled CNN’s audience. It marked its 119th consecutive monthly win in total viewers. It also marked its 33rd win in the demo. The program saw a 12% increase in viewers compared to the pre-inauguration period.
With Ali Vitali taking over as host of “Way Too Early,” the show averaged 32% more viewers in the demo compared to December. It also had 58% more total viewers than CNN in January.
MSNBC’s “The Weekend” celebrated its first anniversary on the air. It experienced a 35% audience growth in its timeslot and a 30% increase in the demo. It successfully topped CNN in that daypart for the first time in 12 years.