CNN S.C. Debate Draws 5.03 Million Viewers

Ranks as tenth most-watched of election cycle, fifth-most in target demo

By Andrea Morabito -- Broadcasting & Cable, 1/20/2012 3:53:03 PM

CNN's Republican debate in South Carolina Thursday night drew 5.03 million total viewers from 8-10 p.m., according to Nielsen fast nationals.

That audience made it only the 10^th most-watched debate of this election cycle, drawing fewer viewers than Fox News' debate on Jan. 16 but more than the NBC/Meet the Press debate on Jan. 8.

CNN fared better in the target adults 25-54 demo, drawing 1.72 million viewers, the fifth-largest audience in the demo for a debate this cycle and best showing since ABC's Jan. 7 debate.

The debate helped the network easily lead the other cable newsers Thursday night and rank first in the 10 p.m. hour with Anderson Cooper 360, which featured debate moderator John King talking about his heated exchange with Newt Gingrich.