CNN scored a rare ratings victory with their New Year’s Eve special, hosted by Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen, ranking as the number one New Year’s Eve programming on cable television.
The network is celebrating the ratings victory after 2024 included some major viewership struggles, including notching the lowest total day demo rating in its history. Overall, Fox News carried the year in total viewers and the advertiser coveted 25-54 age demo for the ninth consecutive year. MSNBC ranked second in total viewers, while CNN reached second in the 25-54 demo. Comedian Whitney Cummings mocked CNN for low ratings during her appearance on their New Year’s special.
But the network’s New Year’s Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen allowed CNN to end 2024 on a high note, with the glossy special filmed in New York City’s Times Square posting 3.7 million viewers when the ball dropped at midnight (12 – 12:30 am) and 1.4 million in the 25-54 demo during that same time.
Over the course
When the ball dropped, the network’s special was, however, the most watched program on cable television. The midnight performance marked their best performance during the time period since 2021. CNN typically puts more behind their long New Year’s Eve specials than their direct cable news competitors, but they were not without competition as they closed out 2024.
ABC’s Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2025 averaged 17.9 million viewers during its late night segment and rose at the midnight hour to more than 21 million. More than 6 million watched during the 8 – 10 pm hours and more than 9 million were tuned in from 10:30 – 11:30 pm.
CBS’ New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash meanwhile brought in nearly 7 million viewers during their 11:30 pm – 12:30 am hour, nearly 6 million from 10:30 – 11:30 pm, and 4.9 million from 8 – 10 pm.