Nielsen Fast National data, network reports

Biden-Trump Debate Draws 47.9 Million Viewers, 34.3% Drop, CNN's Highest-Rated Program

Jun 28, 2024, 05:36 PM

The first 2024 presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump drew a total of 47.9 million viewers across various networks, according to Nielsen Fast National data. This represents a significant 34.3% decline from the 73.1 million viewers who watched the first debate between the two candidates in 2020. CNN reported that the debate was the highest-rated program in its history, with 8.7 million viewers tuning in on CNN alone. Fox News also attracted 8.8 million viewers for the event. Additionally, the debate saw more than 30 million live starts on CNN’s digital platforms and YouTube. Among adults aged 25-54, 12.6 million tuned in. The viewership for this debate was also lower compared to previous election cycles, with the first 2016 debate between Trump and Hillary Clinton drawing 84 million viewers and the 1980 debate between Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan attracting 80.6 million.