As summer drew to a close, CNN demonstrated a robust multiplatform presence, engaging audiences through television, digital, and streaming services. The network’s distinctive coverage of U.S. primaries, global breaking news, and exclusive reporting contributed to notable year-over-year growth in both television and digital platforms. Additionally, CNN’s All Access subscription offering continued to attract new subscribers, with a diverse content slate resonating with users interested in politics, culture, and business.
The month of August saw CNN ranking as a top 5 cable network in Total Day among persons 2+ (P2+) for the 20th consecutive month and in the top 10 among persons aged 25-54 (P25-54) for the 8th consecutive month. This consistent performance underscores CNN’s ability to maintain a strong viewership across key demographics.
Notable Audience Growth in August 2026
CNN experienced significant year-over-year growth in August 2026. In Total Day, the network saw a 24% increase among P25-54 (from 54k to 67k) and a 32% increase among P2+ (from 338k to 445k). The growth was even more pronounced in prime time, with audiences up 38% among P25-54 (from 82k to 113k) and 38% among P2+ (from 469k to 646k) in Monday through Sunday Prime. Similarly, Monday through Friday Prime saw year-over-year growth of 34% among P25-54 (from 97k to 130k) and 42% among P2+ (from 502k to 714k).
Primary Coverage Drives Viewership
The network’s coverage of the August 4 and August 11 primary contests proved to be a major draw for viewers. CNN’s television coverage of these events ranked as the network’s top two nights of the month among P2+ and among its top three nights among P25-54. Furthermore, CNN ranked as a top five cable network among P2+ during its primary coverage on both days. The digital coverage of the August 11 primaries also resulted in the highest live-viewing day of the month for engaged viewers, with interest extending into August 12 for day-after results and eclipse coverage.
Original Series and Digital Engagement
CNN Original Series delivered strong audience gains in August, led by Decades in Sports. The series, which aired from August 2 to August 30, averaged 76k among P25-54 and 431k among P2+, representing double-digit growth compared to the prior four-week time-period average. Decades in Sports was also a top title for subscribers on CNN’s All Access subscription offering this month.
The fast-moving news environment drove continued growth in live viewership across digital platforms. Compared to the previous year, live video starts more than doubled (109% increase), audiences chose live video more often (65% increase in intentional live starts), and stayed with it longer (64% more live viewers). Viewers are also engaging more deliberately, with intentional video starts per viewer up 48% year over year and 20% versus July, while total intentional video starts are up 24% year over year.
Year to date, CNN Podcasts have garnered 74 million downloads and streams highlighting the network’s expanding reach and influence in the podcasting space.
