Staff Reports
In a stunning shift in the daytime television landscape, Fox News has surged ahead of long-time network staple “The View,” with Harris Faulkner’s “The Faulkner Focus” drawing more viewers than the ABC talk show for the first time. This ratings upset comes as Fox News continues to ride a wave of momentum, posting record viewership numbers since President Trump’s return to the White House. Faulkner’s show averaged 2.552 million viewers in January, narrowly edging out “The View” at 2.508 million—a remarkable feat given that Fox News is a cable channel while “The View” airs on widely accessible broadcast TV.
This ratings victory is more than just a numbers game; it’s a reflection of the growing dissatisfaction with the relentless political grandstanding and anti-Trump rhetoric that has come to define “The View.” For years, the show’s hosts have leaned heavily into partisan commentary, often alienating viewers who are simply looking for balanced discussion or a break from the constant barrage of political talking points. Recent reports suggest that even ABC executives have urged the hosts to broaden their focus and tone down the political attacks, particularly those aimed at President Trump. Yet, the hosts have resisted, insisting their audience expects—and wants—them to double down on their political takes.
The reality, however, is that Americans are increasingly tuning out hyper-partisan programming. Polls show that two-thirds of U.S. adults are experiencing political fatigue, with many actively seeking to reduce their exposure to political news. This trend is especially pronounced among Democrats, but it’s clear that viewers across the spectrum are hungry for content that doesn’t revolve around endless political bickering. Fox News, and Faulkner in particular, have capitalized on this sentiment by offering news and analysis that respects all sides, rather than resorting to constant outrage.
Meanwhile, “The View” appears to be at a crossroads. Despite modest ratings growth in the first quarter of 2025, the show faces internal drama and behind-the-scenes shakeups, including the launch of a new weekend spin-off and reports of key hosts stepping away from the main program. The resistance to change among the show’s panelists may ultimately prove to be their undoing if they fail to adapt to the evolving tastes of their audience.
The message is clear: Americans are tired of being lectured to by out-of-touch elites and want programming that reflects their values, respects their intelligence, and offers real discussion, not just partisan rants. Fox News’s continued dominance and Harris Faulkner’s historic win are proof that when given a choice, viewers will flock to content that puts facts and fairness above political posturing. If “The View” refuses to adapt, it risks becoming a relic of a bygone era, while Fox News sets the standard for the future of daytime news and commentary.
