MSNBC’s The Rachel Maddow Show was the most-watched show in all of cable TV Thursday, with a total audience of nearly 3.2 million viewers. Maddow’s ratings were high enough to put the show on the Top 20 list of programs on all of television, landing at #12 behind shows like Big Bang Theory, Grey’s Anatomy and Will & Grace.
Maddow, who has been focusing relentlessly on the investigation into possible collusion between Russia and the campaign of Donald Trump, often devoting long segments to methodically reviewing documents and timelines relating to the unfolding investigation that has shaken the White House and threatened Trump’s presidency.
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Maddow’s ratings came on a big night for the network, with three of the top ten shows on all of cable, including The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell (#5) and All In with Chris Hayes (#6). MSNBC, which had record ratings in 2017 and finished second to long-time cable news leader Fox News in the February ratings period, took a decisive overall win Thursday, beating both Fox News and CNN among viewers 25-54, the demographic coveted by advertisers. Fox News remained on top among total viewers.
At 9 p.m., Fox News Channel host Sean Hannity, who has been the top host in cable news for five straight months, fell behind Maddow (3.146 million to 2.976 million). FNC’s Tucker Carlson was third overall (2.599 million), followed by Fox News’ Laura Ingraham (2.333 million).
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