A total of 15.3 million combined viewers tuned into NBC, MSNBC and Telemundo for the first Democratic primary debate of the 2020 election on Wednesday night, matching the number of viewers who tuned into the first Democratic debate of the 2015-2016 primary season on CNN in October 2015. 

The 15.3 million is higher than every primary debate during the 2008 and 2012 election cycles, according to Nielsen data. 

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The most-watched primary debate in history occurred in August 2015, when more than 24 million people tuned in to Fox News for the event featuring Donald TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE’s first debate as a candidate in Cleveland. 

In the key 25-54 demographic that advertisers covet most, 4.3 million tuned in across NBC, MSNBC and Telemundo from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Wednesday night. 

The Democratic debate was moderated by “NBC Nightly News” anchor Lester Holt, “Today” show co-host Savannah Guthrie, “Meet the Press” moderator Chuck ToddCharles (Chuck) David ToddChris Wallace to Colbert: US hasn’t seen this level of unrest since 1968 Demings: ‘We are long overdue for every law enforcement agency in our nation to review itself’ DC mayor: ‘I think that the president has a responsibility to help calm the nation’ MORE, Rachel MaddowRachel Anne MaddowWebb: The modern age of dissent versus riot Cable news audience numbers jump amid coronavirus, protests Demings: ‘America is on fire’ and Trump ‘is walking around with gasoline’ MORE of “The Rachel Maddow Show,” and “Noticias Telemundo” and “NBC Nightly News” Saturday anchor José Díaz-Balart. 

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The second night of the Democratic debates is slated for Thursday. 

It will feature former Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenHillicon Valley: Biden calls on Facebook to change political speech rules | Dems demand hearings after Georgia election chaos | Microsoft stops selling facial recognition tech to police Trump finalizing executive order calling on police to use ‘force with compassion’ The Hill’s Campaign Report: Biden campaign goes on offensive against Facebook MORE and nine other candidates including Sen. Bernie SandersBernie SandersThe Hill’s 12:30 Report: Milley apologizes for church photo-op Harris grapples with defund the police movement amid veep talk Biden courts younger voters — who have been a weakness MORE (I-Vt.), South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete ButtigiegPete ButtigiegScaled-back Pride Month poses challenges for fundraising, outreach Biden hopes to pick VP by Aug. 1 It’s as if a Trump operative infiltrated the Democratic primary process MORE (D) and Sen. Kamala HarrisKamala Devi HarrisRand Paul introduces bill to end no-knock warrants The Hill’s Campaign Report: Biden campaign goes on offensive against Facebook McEnany says Juneteenth is a very ‘meaningful’ day to Trump MORE (D-Calif.).