Though politics are an extra touchy subject these days, CBS decided to order a new drama about a blonde, female Secretary of State — Madam Secretary. Some feel that it’s a thinly-veiled allusion to Hillary Clinton while others see the show as a piece of fiction. Either way, CBS is a corporation that makes money from selling advertising and must attract healthy ratings to do that. Is Madam Secretary a success with viewers? Will it survive? Cancel or keep it?
On Madam Secretary, former CIA analyst Elizabeth McCord (Tèa Leoni) returns to public life after being recruited by the President (Keith Carradine) to become the new Secretary of State. The rest of the cast includes Željko Ivanek, Bebe Neuwirth, Geoffrey Arend, Patina Miller, Erich Bergen, Tim Daly, Katherine Herzer, and Evan Roe.
The series debuted on September 21st to a mediocre 2.0 rating in the 18-49 demographic with 14.75 million viewers. Last week, Madam Secretary dropped 30% in the demo to a 1.4 rating and dropped 14% in viewership, to 12.72 million. Those aren’t very encouraging numbers for a new series and CBS was surely expecting a lot better.
Low-rated, The Good Wife brings the network some prestige but CBS needs more shows with better numbers.
If Madam Secretary’s ratings stay at this level or continue to decline (particulalry in the demo), this new show will be in very real danger of being cancelled. On the positive side, the network is likely to be patient — at least for awhile. The ratings could go up, especially if the show starts getting some positive word of mouth.
But, what do you think? Do you like Madam Secretary? Will you keep watching? Do you think it should be cancelled? Do you think that it should/will end up being renewed for a second season?
Amazing GREAT drama! No filth. Great writing. Thanks CBS!!
Best show on tv.
Madame Secretary is a brilliant show!! Though I reside in Australia I count this show among the top 3 made currently. We must not loose sight that the show is fictional, too bad we don’t have the quality in heads of state that is portrayed with Tea’s character, the intrigue and especially the problem solving makes for exceptional captivating viewing!!
Thank you Paul Blanche, I agree totally with your assessment of the show. Tea Leoni is excellent in this role and just because she is blonde and female shouldn’t make everyone think of HIllary Clinton, Tea herself was quoted as saying that the blonde hair is the only similarity between them. Has a great story line and is different from the run of the mill legal and medical stories that dominate. Far more believeable and entertaining than the show with Katherine Hegel and Alfre Woodard copy cat show. Look forward to the show being extended for the rest of the… Read more »
CANCEL!!!!
After last night’s show (01/04/2015) concerning an idiotic made up emergency in Texas and my governor, I quit this show forever and also will not buy any of the advertisers’ products.
There’s no similarity between Madam Secretary and Hilary Clinton. If Hilary had the finesse of “Bess” Hilary would have been elected back in 2008. As far as taking offensive that the most recent episode singled out Texas, come on now, it could have been any state..Afterall it is fiction.
there is so much junk on tv lately, that is for the younger kids, that when a series comes along of the caliber of madam secretary it saddens me that you would even think of not renewing it because it doesn’t fit the demographics of 18 to 49. i know the ads are geared to that group, but its the over 50s that have the most disposeable income to use. i watch only 4 or 5 hrs of tv a week because it caters to the younger crowd, but its the older crowd that has the money to spend. it… Read more »
Love the show; especially Tea as Madam Secretary. Please make it a regular series.
I hope to see Tea nominated for an emmy as Best Actress in a mini series.
Please keep Madam Secretary. We enjoy this show very much.
Keep this show! My kids and I love it. Great example of a strong leader.
This is an awesome show, networks need to listen to the public.
I like this show! I look forward to Sundays because I knew something good was going to be on at 7:00 MST. All the characters were wonderful! Please continue with it. I get so sick of all the reality show or stupid comedy shows.
Thank you!
I look forward to Madam Secretary! The family dynamic is great and the show is well written. My vote is to absolutely continue. I loved the West Wing, The Newsroom, and this particular show!!!
Love this show…yes, it’s politics are sometimes cliché and plot lines borderline believable, but who cares? It’s close enough to reality to capture my attention and the acting is terrific! I really enjoy the show. It’s interesting and entertaining, without being super intense. I do hope they keep it.
I think it’s a great show. I have missed the last two weeks. Please keep a decent show on tv for adults.
I have enjoyed this show. it made sense and I have been disapointed it has not been on. Why do they always take off the shows that are good??
This is one show I have enjoyed watching. Is it going to continue.. Why do they always take off the good ones.
I agree. One of only a few intelligent shows left. I only watch three shows on TV: this one, The Good Wife and Masterpiece Theatre.