You’ve seen the 10 p.m. slot on cable news change hands more times than a relay baton. It’s a tough hour. People are tired, they’re ready for bed, and they’ve already been bombarded by headlines all day. But lately, CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip has managed to do something pretty rare: it’s actually growing.
Honestly, the "Abby Phillip CNN show" isn't just another talking-head marathon. It’s a roundtable that feels less like a lecture and more like a high-stakes dinner party where someone might actually change their mind. Or at least, they’ll stop shouting long enough to hear the other side.
What’s the Deal With NewsNight?
The show launched back in late 2023, part of a massive shake-up at CNN. If you remember the "King Charles" experiment with Gayle King and Charles Barkley—yeah, that was in this orbit too. When that wrapped up, Abby Phillip took over the full five-night-a-week schedule.
It’s anchored out of New York City at 30 Hudson Yards. The vibe is distinct. While other anchors lean into the "voice of God" solo delivery, Phillip leans into the group. She sits at the head of a table with a rotating cast of characters—Republicans, Democrats, journalists, and the occasional wild card.
The format works because she isn’t just a referee. She’s a sharp-as-nails interviewer who knows when to let a guest dig their own hole and when to jump in with a fact-check that ends the nonsense.
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Why the Ratings Are Moving
Television is a numbers game, and the 2025-2026 data shows that NewsNight is finding its footing. In late 2025, the show was hitting upwards of 589,000 total viewers on some nights, with significant jumps in the key 25-54 demographic.
- Growth: In early 2025, the show was up 31% year-over-year in the demo.
- Consistency: It has frequently become CNN’s highest-rated show in that crucial younger age bracket.
- Competition: It’s going up against heavy hitters on other networks, yet it’s carved out a space for people who want "smart" over "loud."
The Abby Phillip Factor
Abby Phillip didn't just fall into this chair. She’s a Harvard grad who cut her teeth at Politico and The Washington Post. If you’ve followed her career, you know she was a standout White House correspondent during the Trump years. She’s the one who famously remained calm while being berated on the North Lawn for asking a perfectly valid question.
She also recently released her book, A Dream Deferred: Jesse Jackson and the Fight for Black Political Power, in late 2025. This deep historical knowledge often bleeds into the show. She’s not just reacting to the tweet of the hour; she’s looking at the systemic "why" behind the news.
Real Talk: What Most People Get Wrong
A lot of critics think cable news is dead. They say everyone is in an echo chamber.
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But if you actually watch the Abby Phillip CNN show, you’ll see some surprisingly heated—and honest—cross-partisan exchanges. For instance, in January 2026, the show spent a lot of time on the ICE shootings in Minneapolis and the DOJ’s criminal probe into Fed Chair Jerome Powell.
These weren't just one-sided rants. She brings on guests like conservative commentators who actually support the administration's moves, alongside those who are horrified by them. It’s messy. It’s sometimes uncomfortable. But it’s a lot more representative of the country than a solo anchor nodding at a camera.
The "Table for Five" Vibe
In addition to the nightly show, Phillip has been doing the Saturday Morning Table for Five. It’s a slightly more relaxed version of the same concept. It’s proof that CNN is doubling down on her as the face of their conversational, "big tent" strategy.
What to Expect If You Tune In
If you’re checking out NewsNight for the first time, don't expect a highlight reel of snarky dunks. Phillip’s style is more about "dogged reporting." She asks the follow-up question. Then she asks it again when the guest tries to pivot.
The show generally covers:
- The Lead: The biggest political fire of the day.
- The Panel: A 30-to-40-minute block of debate that actually allows for nuance.
- The Deep Dive: Often an interview with a newsmaker—like a Senator or a world leader—where Phillip stays in the seat for the long haul.
Basically, it’s for the person who wants to know what happened today but also wants to hear a smart argument about what happens tomorrow.
How to Watch
You can catch CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip at 10:00 PM ET on weeknights. If you’re a cord-cutter, it’s available via CNN Max (the streaming side) or you can catch the audio-only version on Apple Podcasts and Spotify the next morning.
If you want to understand the current political landscape without the feeling of being screamed at, this is the hour to watch. Start by following the show's social clips for a week; you'll quickly see if the roundtable style fits your "news diet."
Pay attention to the guest list. One of the best ways to get value out of the show is to look up the panelists afterwards. Phillip often brings on niche experts—professors, historians, and local reporters—who offer more than just the standard D.C. talking points.