List of Cable Television Networks: 2022 Viewership Rankings
Cable television remains a significant source of entertainment and news, with a wide array of networks catering to diverse interests. This article presents a comprehensive List Of Cable Television Networks ranked by their average primetime viewership in 2022, based on Nielsen data. The rankings reveal interesting shifts in viewer preferences and highlight the ongoing competition in the cable landscape.
Cable TV Network Rankings: A Year of Change
Fox News continued its dominance in 2022, securing the top spot for the seventh consecutive year as the most-watched cable network in both primetime and total-day viewership. ESPN maintained its second-place position, followed by MSNBC in third and HGTV in fourth. However, a significant shakeup occurred in the fifth position, with CNN dropping out of the top 5 for the first time since 2019, falling to tenth place overall. TNT, another Turner channel, filled the vacancy left by CNN, landing in fifth place.
The remaining networks rounding out the top 10 were Hallmark Channel, TBS, TLC, INSP (formerly The Inspiration Network), and finally, CNN. This shift in rankings marks a notable change for CNN and potentially signals broader trends in cable news viewership. The complete list of 126 ranked cable networks provides a detailed overview of the competitive landscape.
Examining the Numbers: Primetime Performance
The Nielsen rankings presented here focus on primetime viewership (8-11 p.m.), excluding delayed viewing from DVR recordings. This methodology tends to favor live programming, such as news and sports, which often draw larger audiences in real-time. Fox News averaged an impressive 2.33 million viewers in primetime, showcasing its continued strength in the cable news market. ESPN followed with 1.915 million viewers, underscoring the enduring appeal of live sports broadcasts.
Further down the list, smaller networks like G4, which was revived in 2021 but unfortunately shuttered within a year, averaged only 1,000 viewers. This stark contrast highlights the challenges faced by niche networks in a highly competitive environment. Pursuit Channel also experienced a significant decline in viewership, raising concerns about its future prospects.
Conclusion: Navigating the Cable Landscape
The 2022 cable television network rankings provide valuable insights into viewer preferences and the performance of various channels. While established networks like Fox News and ESPN maintained their strong positions, CNN’s decline from the top 5 signifies a potential shift in the cable news landscape. The full list of 126 networks offers a comprehensive view of the industry, highlighting the diverse range of programming available and the ongoing competition for viewers’ attention.
