CNN Host Touts Network’s Best Show — Gets Reminded Viewers Aren’t Watching For Her

CNN host Abby Phillip shared a post highlighting the recent ratings logged by her show, “CNN NewsNight” — and her critics quickly pointed out that what truly made her show a standout on the cable news network was her regular inclusion of popular Republican commentator Scott Jennings.

Phillip posted an excerpt from a CNN public relations release showing that her broadcast was the network’s top performer in the coveted 25-54 age demographic for three months running — and that her audience was growing. She said (emphasis hers), “NewsNight with Abby Phillip continues to be a standout performer for CNN, ranking as the network’s most watched program among P25-54 for the third consecutive month. Further, NewsNight grew by impressive, double-digit margins year-over-year among both demos.”

“NewsNight with Abby Phillip continues to be a standout performer for CNN, ranking as the network’s most watched program among P25-54 for the third consecutive month. Further, NewsNight grew by impressive, double-digit margins year-over-year among both demos.”…

— Abby D. Phillip (@abbydphillip) April 30, 2025

But critics responded to her post, arguing that it was Jennings — who often employs a Jim Halpern (“The Office”) style camera stare to great effect — and his sharp but civil commentary that was really bringing in the viewers for whom she was taking credit.

“Thanks solely to @ScottJenningsKY,” Tomi Lahren posted.

Thanks solely to @ScottJenningsKY

— Tomi Lahren (@TomiLahren) April 30, 2025

“Two words: Scott and Jennings,” another said.

Two words: Scott and Jennings

— Chris Stigall (@ChrisStigall) April 30, 2025

“Great job, @ScottJenningsKY! You’ve driven the ratings up on this show significantly!” Matt Boyle added.

Great job @ScottJenningsKY ! You’ve driven the ratings up on this show significantly! https://t.co/Iyf66mAE9h

— Matthew Boyle (@mboyle1) April 30, 2025

“Our audience knows exactly why and his name is Scaaaaahhht Jennings,” Chicks on the Right posted.

Our audience knows exactly why and his name is Scaaaaahhht Jennings. @ScottJenningsKY https://t.co/SoRb4mbNAz

— Chicks On The Right (@chicksonright) April 30, 2025

I wonder why, um… what’s your name again? https://t.co/0BmfHmIglO pic.twitter.com/7RIPWjXseu

— ????ug (@DugShrugged) April 30, 2025

Even popular liberal radio host Charlamagne tha God admitted that he was a fan of the GOP commentator, saying, “I wish they had more people like Scott Jennings though. Because I feel like Scott Jennings really, really does take it serious, even though he holds his side down. I think a lot of times, they have Republicans on here who are just there just to throw grenades, just to cause the conflict. But Scott actually — I think Scott actually gives a f*** a little bit, you know what I mean? A lot of bit actually.”