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?
This is a great show . There is an actual story and a great cast.
If I thought for a moment that Madam Secretary depicted Hilary Clinton, I would burn my television and gouge my eyes out. Madam Secretary is a moving drama about a family oriented couple town between Public Service and private life. Rarely has a network put forth such quality entertainment. Anybody who thinks this program depicts, in any way, the Clinton family is living in a poison gas filled bubble.
Please, please don’t cancel Madam Secretary! One of the best in a long time!
If this show fails , it is because CBS put it up against Sunday night football. Whose brilliant idea was that? It’s a great show with a terrific cast. One of the few shows that we watch. Tea leoni heads some great actors. Hope CBS thinks twice about canceling this show. Try working harder on it. Maybe better placement?
Please keep this show! My husband and I really enjoy watching it.
PLEASE renew this show – great cast, smart storylines, witty dialog…it’s a keeper!
We thought the show was the best show on T.V. for a long time. We kept trying to watch it every Sunday but it was a repeated no show. We couldn’t figure out what was going on. We finally gave up trying. Hard to get good ratings when it isn’t on.
Madam Secretary is one of the better shows on TV. I miss watching it.
DoNot cancel madam secretary! It’s one of the best shows I’ve seen in a long time! Great stories, great acting!
Finally some television which enhances the understanding of political process, encourages thinking and discussion and possibly conflict management—-so you cancel because of lack of violence? Then you wonder why we are living in a world of terrorist cults.
It would be a shame to lose this new show. It deserves better. Great acting…great cast. Family interaction is excellent. Keep the show!
Do not cancel Madam Secretary. Great actress and interesting plots. I look forward to this show every Sunday!!!
Leoni portrays the character of McCord very convincingly. This cannot be easy. We are talking about a woman [McCord] who must be both strong willed, knowledgeable, experienced, dedicated, in a position of authority…a woman in a predominantly man’s role. And yet, remains feminine, dedicated to her husband and children. and some how manages to to juggle these roles even though these opposing forces, forces her to compromise at times between the two. The performances of the supporting cast complements the storyline. I am hooked on the series, notwithstanding that I admire Tea very much.. KUDOS to the management staff. Please,… Read more »
I love this show. the CBS football games have interrupted this series. Find a new time or new day. This is a great show. Shame on you for letting this happen CBS!!!
CBS itself is to blame if Madam Secretary is failing in the ratings. Why wouldn’t a series fail in it’s fledgling season when it’s been interrupted so many times for football games. People are bound to loose interest when it just isn’t there. Who remembers what happened in the last episode when the show was off the air for two weeks comes back for a week and then is gone again. I look forward to this show airing every Sunday night because of it’s great story line and fabulous acting. Get with it CBS and be responsible for promoting a… Read more »
My FAVE!! Great drama! No filth! And an actual story!
Thanks CBS!!