CNN's "Piers Morgan Tonight" dropped 38 percent in its second night in total viewers to 1.27 million.
But featuring King of All Media Howard Stern, the show's second episode managed to beat Fox News rival "Hannity" in the key 25-54 demo (551,000 vs. 506,000).
"Hannity' still routed "Morgan" in total viewers, totalling nearly 2.2 million. Rachel Maddow's MSNBC show finished third in the race, with 1.125 million.
CNN was up 94 percent over its 9 p.m.-hour average in the fourth quarter of last year in total viewers and up 224 percent in adults 25-54.
Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will appear on Morgan's show tonight.
