Nearly 20 Million Viewers Tune Into James Comey Testimony

Nearly 20 million viewers watched former FBI director James Comey’s Senate testimony on Thursday, according with Nielsen.

Ten cable and broadcast networks aired some portion of Comey’s June 8 senate testimony with a total viewer count of 19.4 million total viewers, said the ratings research company. Adults over 55 years old drew 13.2 million viewers to top all demos, with people 35-54 (4.2 million) and 18-34 million (1.3 million) following way behind.

Overall, ABC was the most watched network airing the Senate Intelligence Committee live, generating 3.3 million total viewers, while Fox news was the most watched cable news network with 3.1 million viewers, according to Nielsen.

CNN drew more than 1 million adults 25-54 to top all cable and broadcast networks, according to Nielsen.

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.