CNN's Ratings Plunge Below Key Benchmark, Total Disaster For The Network

CNN’s primetime ratings have plunged once again, falling below 500,000 viewers on Wednesday night, with key demographic numbers looking even worse. This marks another milestone in the network’s ongoing struggle to retain audience trust and relevance.

Key Facts:

On Wednesday, CNN’s primetime shows all fell below 500,000 total viewers, except “Anderson Cooper 360” with 535,000.
“The Source with Kaitlan Collins” drew 464,000 viewers, “NewsNight with Abby Phillip” 459,000, and “Laura Coates Live” 269,000.
None of CNN’s primetime shows surpassed 100,000 viewers in the crucial 25-54 age demographic.
Independent journalist Glenn Greenwald called CNN’s numbers a “full-scale collapse.”
Fox News and MSNBC outperformed CNN significantly in both total viewers and key demographics.

The Rest of The Story:

CNN’s primetime lineup struggled badly on Wednesday evening, according to AdWeek’s data.

Only “Anderson Cooper 360” managed to exceed half a million viewers, while other shows like “The Source” and “NewsNight” lagged behind.

The 25-54 demographic numbers, which advertisers value most, were particularly disastrous.

Even Cooper, the network’s best performer, managed just 93,000 viewers in that age group.

Meanwhile, competing networks fared far better.

MSNBC’s weakest primetime hour still attracted 799,000 viewers, while Fox News nearly doubled that with “FOX News @ Night.”

CNN’s trend of ratings collapse mirrors past failures, such as the shutdown of their $300 million streaming service CNN+, and the costly lawsuit settlement with Covington Catholic student Nicholas Sandmann.

CNN's full-scale collapse continues rapidly. It reaches a remarkable new low led by @kaitlancollins and @abbydphillip: fewer than 500,000 viewers total in prime-time! That's almost impossible to do even if you wanted it.

Also, they're well below 100k for viewers under 55. pic.twitter.com/4gG4jMWBTH

— Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) April 27, 2025

Commentary:

CNN’s ratings collapse isn’t surprising when you consider the network’s track record.

Over the last several years, CNN has consistently chosen sensationalism and fear over balanced reporting, particularly when covering anything related to Donald Trump.

Viewers are tired of endless negative spin and partisan narratives that insult their intelligence.

Instead of reporting the facts, CNN has often acted like an activist organization masquerading as a news outlet.

People looking for honest news are tuning out and finding alternatives that offer less bias and more straightforward reporting.

Whether it’s independent journalists, alternative news sites, or even podcasts, there are countless other ways to stay informed today without the constant noise.

CNN also seems stuck in the past, unable to adapt to the reality that trust in traditional media is at an all-time low.

Attempts to pivot, like CNN+, were disasters because the network never addressed the root problem: a total loss of credibility.

Viewers aren’t looking for slicker production; they’re looking for honesty, something CNN refuses to provide.

Even big names like Anderson Cooper can’t stop the bleeding because the audience recognizes the broader problem.

The American public isn’t interested in being talked down to by people who see them as wrong for holding different opinions.

The ratings crash is simply the inevitable result of years of arrogance, misjudgment, and dishonesty.

The Bottom Line:

CNN’s primetime collapse reflects a deeper crisis of trust and relevance.

With underwhelming performances even from their top stars and a growing gap between them and rival networks, CNN’s future looks grim.

In an age of abundant alternative media options, audiences are making it clear they will not reward propaganda with their loyalty.

CNN’s Ratings Plunge Below Key Benchmark, Total Disaster For The Network

Key Facts:

The Rest of The Story:

Commentary:

The Bottom Line:

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