From The Hollywood Reporter · Rick Porter · · 1m 30s
Broadcast Networks Lead Midterm Election Night Viewers
NBC and ABC dominate 2026 election night TV ratings with broadcast networks gaining viewers over cable.
In brief
NBC and ABC dominate 2026 election night TV ratings with broadcast networks gaining viewers over cable. NBC and ABC led 2026 election night TV viewership with 31.21 million people watching broadcast networks versus 25.43 million in 2022. Originally reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
Broadcast Networks Lead Election Night Viewers
For the first time in 6 election cycles, more people watched network TV than cable during 2026 midterm elections.
Nielsen Ratings Show Broadcast Dominance
31.21 million viewers watched primetime election coverage on 13 broadcast and cable outlets versus 25.43 million in 2022.
Broadcast Networks Capture 57 Percent Share
57 percent of viewers (17.79 million) watched on broadcast outlets versus 43 percent (13.42 million) on cable channels.
NBC Leads Election Night Ratings
NBC had 6.74 million viewers in primetime, doubling its 2022 average and finishing first among networks.
ABC and CBS Improve Ratings
ABC grew by 57 percent to 5.19 million viewers while CBS improved by 8 percent to 2.76 million viewers.
Fox News Tumbles in Viewership
Fox News lost almost 3.5 million viewers compared to 2022, but the big three networks gained more viewers than Fox lost.
Cable Declines Across the Board
Homes with multi-channel providers now represent 42.5 percent of TV homes down from 52.3 percent four years ago.
NBC's Tech Innovation Wins
NBC's Kornacki Cam live stream was the most watched election coverage stream with 4.39 million hours of viewing.
In short
NBC and ABC led 2026 election night TV viewership with 31.21 million people watching broadcast networks versus 25.43 million in 2022.
