Nielsen estimates that 31.2 million viewers watched primetime coverage of the November 3 midterm elections, with broadcast networks accounting for 57% of the measured audience.
The company’s November 5 report covers 13 networks, approximately 8–11 p.m. Eastern, using live-plus-same-day estimates. Selected streaming simulcasts are included, so the total should not be described as exclusively conventional television viewing.
Streaming contributions include ABC News Live, CBS News 24/7 and Paramount+, NBC News Now and Peacock, and Fox One. Out-of-home viewing is included for most reported networks, but not Newsmax, NewsNation or PBS.
Compare the measurement as well as the total
The reported audience exceeds the 25.4 million recorded for the 2022 midterms. However, the network lists differ, and the 2026 report uses Big Data + Panel measurement, implemented in September 2025.
Nielsen also announced further methodology changes for August 31, 2026, including co-viewing, weighting and household demographic adjustments. The company cautioned that those changes do not guarantee higher ratings.
For broadcast sales and news teams, the practical distinction is between a national network event estimate and evidence about their own local coverage. This release does not provide station-by-station performance or a separate total for every digital election stream.