How ratings for first presidential debate of 2024 compare with past debates

The much-anticipated debate on Thursday night between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump drew 47.9 million viewers on television, CNN reported on Friday, citing preliminary ratings figures from Nielsen.

The 90-minute debate, hosted by CNN and simulcast across 22 networks, featured just the two presumptive party nominees and was defined by rambling answers by the current president and lies and misstatements by his predecessor.

The network telecast the event from its studios in Atlanta, providing a live feed to others free of charge but with conditions over its presentation and branding, CNN stated.