For the first time since Nov. 29, 2007, Headline News finished in second place in the primetime A25-54 demo last night. During weekdays when there is no debate or primary/caucus to cover, Headline News has consistently been finishing in third place in that category, ahead of MSNBC, since Nancy Grace and Glenn Beck have returned to their programs.

HLN just edged sister-station CNN for second place, backed by a strong showing from Grace at 8pmET (424,000 in demo), who finished well ahead of Countdown with Keith Olbermann (313,000 in demo). An above average night from Beck, especially with 201,000 in demo at 9pmET, helped as well.

Across the board, HLN has performed well in the A25-54 demo (yesterday it finished third in total day). At 5pmET and 6pmET, Prime News with Erica Hill consistently competes for third place in the demo, ahead of MSNBC's offering. Yesterday 6pmET beat Tucker, while on Monday both hours finished ahead of Hardball and Tucker.

Last night, Showbiz Tonight at 11pmET finished third ahead of MSNBC, and Wednesday it finished second behind only The O'Reilly Factor, in the demo.