Both CBS and NBC have launched new TV shows that revolve around smart blonde women who hold important government positions in Washington, DC. CBS’ Madam Secretary has already been renewed for a second season. What will happen to NBC’s State of Affairs? Will it be renewed or cancelled?
State of Affairs follows a top CIA analyst (Katherine Heigl) who assembles the President of the United States’ Daily Briefing (PDB), weighing the vital security issues that face the nation. She has a close personal relationship with the commander-in-chief (Alfre Woodard) as she was once engaged to the president’s now-deceased son. The rest of the cast of this dramatic thriller includes Adam Kaufman, Sheila Vand, Cliff Chamberlain, Tommy Savas, and David Harbour.
Taking over for NBC’s highly-rated series The Blacklist, State of Affairs debuted in November to a healthy 2.2 rating in the 18-49 demographic with 8.69 million viewers. It was a solid start that was no doubt aided by its strong lead-in The Voice. Some people were also possibly expecting to find a new episode of The Blacklist in the timeslot instead.
In week two, despite still having a strong lead-in, State of Affairs’ ratings dropped more than 36% to a 1.4 in the demo with 5.39 million. They rose up a bit in week three but have been falling ever since. Last week’s installment hit new series lows with a 0.7 in the demo and 3.62 million viewers.
Though NBC had high hopes for this series, State of Affairs is just not measuring up. The network is poised to finish airing the 13 episode season (there are four episodes remaining after tonight’s) but it’s hard to imagine that they’d consider renewing it for a second season with poor ratings like these.
NBC entertainment chairman Robert Greenblatt recently said, “I’m disappointed in what it’s been doing [in the ratings] the last couple of weeks… It’s a show that I think is a really fine show, so I’m scratching my head a little bit about why we can’t get more people to be there for it.”
There’s still time for the numbers to improve but it doesn’t seem likely they’d be good enough to save the show. Hopefully the season finale will offer viewers some measure of closure to the ongoing storylines.
But, what do you think? Do you like the State of Affairs TV show? If you ran the network, would you cancel or renew the series for a second season? How would you improve this show if it was renewed?
Keep it. Aside from The Voice and The today Show and The Tonight Show, it’s the only thing I watch on NBC.
I enjoyed every episode. All members of the cast fit their parts well. I always look forward to the next episode. Maybe TWC’s on demand subtracts from viewers numbers on broadcast night. What a great service on demand is.
Love the show! My favorite. Keep it!!!
Why did they cut it out early in New Zealand. We love the show but only got about 4 weeks
It’s still on in nz but moved to sunday night at 10.30pm
Please do more I love the show
The show has been cancelled. Guess all of our wonderful an positive comments didn’t mean beans!
I would renew it, to the original formula and basic stats only.
Katherine Heigel is great as she thinks her way through plots.
Presently too many red herrings and too many unnecessary people included
Keep state of affairs great show.
KEEP KEEP KEEP!! Please this is a great show, the first one I would watch on my DVR each week! Each episode always left me on the edge of my seat. It is one of the best shows on TV!
Good show ….expand it more!
Joe Carnahan is involved in this! Katherine Heigl is excellent! Keep it please. It’s much better than Madame Secretary, which is a total snooze fest.
Good show
I think the show is really good. I’m actually pleasantly surprised by Katherine’s acting in this show. They definitely should bring it back.
Absolutely bring it back. Great show
Bring it back and see how it plays out versus Madam Secetary
Yes bring State of Affairs back!!! It is an adult series like Black List and Madam Secretary. There needs to be more TV series like this one!!
Ditto Kevin
Keep the show cancel Heigl. Love Alfre!!