CNN recorded a worldwide multiplatform reach of 71.4 million during its coverage of the 2026 US midterm elections. The audience included people watching CNN and CNN International on television and streaming platforms, along with users accessing CNN.com, mobile apps, social media and radio, the news network said.

This was its best US midterm election performance in its 46-year history.

According to a CNN press release, CNN ranked number one among cable networks in the Sales Prime time slot, attracting 3.105 million total viewers. This was the first time the network secured the top position in cable news during a midterm election this century.

The US midterms elections, generally seen as a referendum on the existing government’s rule and policies, were held on  November 3. According to media outlets, projected majorities and key race outcomes began being called across election night on November 3-4 with the final outcome clearer by November 5.

CNN also recorded strong viewership among audiences aged 25 to 54. During prime time, the network attracted 1.512 million viewers in this age group, more than American news outlets Fox News and MS NOW combined.

Its prime-time audience in this category grew by 43 percent compared with the 2022 US midterm elections.

The election coverage also helped CNN record its highest number of new subscriptions for the year.

CNN’s All Access streaming service registered its biggest day for live viewership since launching in October 2025. Subscribers watched an average of 108 minutes of CNN during prime time, marking the highest average viewing time since the service’s launch.

CNN also recorded more than 80 million views across its YouTube channel on Election Day and the following day.

This made it the most-viewed news outlet on YouTube during the period. November 3 and 4 also became the two biggest days for YouTube viewership in the channel’s history.