CNN says 47.9 million people watched the presidential debate
CNN said Friday that 47.9 million people watched the presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, making it the highest-rated program in the network's history — as well as its most live-streamed.
However, it represents an approximately 34% drop in viewership from the first 2020 Biden-Trump debate, which drew 73 million viewers.
Among adults 25-54, 12.6 million tuned in last night, the network said, while 3.92 million 18-34 year olds watched. It was the most-watched non-sports program of the year so far, CNN said.
Thursday's debate has sparked a wave of discussion about whether Biden could step aside as the Democratic candidate for president, though replacing him would be challenging.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Rob Wile is a breaking business news reporter for NBC News Digital.