Debate Ratings By Network

Nielsen data shows the debate drew 73 1 million total viewers across broadcast networks cable channels and some streaming services the second most of any debate since 1980.

Debate ratings by network. The peacock network drew an average of 18 2 million. Last cycle s vice presidential matchup between sen. The tally which was revised up from an earlier count of 64 7 million total viewers that was based on the eight major broadcast and cable news networks excludes debate viewers who watched via. Nearly 65 million people viewed tuesday night s long anticipated first presidential debate through the big four broadcast networks nbc abc cbs fox according to the nielsen ratings released wednesday afternoon forbes reports soon after the viewership numbers were released many were quick to argue that it was a big drop from years past.

For the first time ever we ve compiled historical ratings for every presidential and vice presidential debate in the interactive charts below enabling you to spot trends and trend breaking events. The chaotic nature of the first debate which drew big numbers may have also attracted viewers to wednesday s showdown between harris and pence. The most watched vice presidential debate in history was the 2008 debate between joe biden and sarah palin. The ratings are in.

Fox news ratings delivery for the debate was the second highest rated telecast in the network s history. Nielsen will release ratings for each of the four events as they are available. With the network s chris wallace moderating the trump friendly network notched 17 8 million viewers a gain of. Fox news chris wallace is moderating the opening presidential debate too which will surely help his home network while special report anchor bret baier and the story anchor.

The big ratings winner in this year s debate however was fox news channel.