ABC News Is #1 on Sunday Morning and Friday Night

Key Takeaways

• "This Week" 2.78 M viewers, 11‑week #1 streak
• Beats "Meet the Press" by 631 K viewers, largest margin in 12 years
• "20/20" 2.95 M viewers, double‑digit gains in key demos
• "20/20" leads "Dateline" by 16% in total viewers
• Both programs stream on ABC News digital, Disney+ and Hulu

Pulse Analysis

ABC’s recent ratings report highlights a strategic win in two distinct time slots. "This Week with George Stephanopoulos" not only maintained its 11‑week run at the top of Sunday morning political talk shows but also widened its lead over NBC’s "Meet the Press" by 631,000 viewers—the biggest gap since 2014. The program’s growth, including a 14% year‑over‑year increase, reflects a broader audience appetite for in‑depth political analysis, especially as the show leverages live‑plus‑same‑day data and expands onto ABC’s digital channels.

On the Friday night front, "20/20" delivered a 2.95 million‑viewer total, posting double‑digit lifts in the 25‑54 and 18‑49 demographics that advertisers prize. Its 14% rise in total viewers versus a year ago and a 21% jump in the 25‑54 demo underscore the series’ ability to attract a younger, more engaged audience. By outpacing "Dateline" by 16%, "20/20" demonstrates that long‑form newsmagazines can still thrive when paired with strong storytelling and high‑profile anchors like David Muir and Deborah Roberts.

The combined success of these programs signals a shift in network news dynamics. ABC’s cross‑platform distribution—streaming on its own digital properties as well as Disney+ and Hulu—extends reach beyond traditional broadcast, offering advertisers multi‑screen exposure. As competitors scramble to replicate this model, ABC’s ratings surge may translate into higher ad rates and greater leverage in negotiations with cable and streaming partners, reinforcing its position as a leading news content provider.