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?
Here was my comment which you didn’t post. Someone KKK used a vulgarity and you used it. So, no vulgarities, what’s wrong with my comment? “Hey. Tired shtick. Like West Wing, self important, very earnest do gooders busily running around saving the world. They could show it like it was for Hillary, duck and cover, sticking a wet finger into the wind to see which was the easiest way to go. We could use some comedy on Sunday nights.” Too much on the money?
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Hey. Tired shtick. Like West Wing, self important, very earnest do gooders busily running around saving the world. They could show it like it was for Hillary, duck and cover, sticking a wet finger into the wind to see which was the easiest way to go. We need some comedy on Sunday nights.
Love it!!! Thoughts about the time slot though. Sunday too much football to compete with. I think the show is well written & current. Its good to see the inner workings of our government in action. Yes, I do realize this is a TV series
Good point. it humanizes the people behind the desk and the different issues that go into their decisions.
If these actually were “the people behind the desk”, yes, it would “humanize” them. But, really, the script the actors are using is your best indication of how the writers think public officials act. Wishful thinking? Obviously, Tia Leoni is using Joan d’Ark for inspiration.
IT IS ASHAME THAT YOU ARE USING A GREAT SHOW TO PROMOTE HILARY CLINTON’S IMAGE. IF ONLY HILARY DID ALL THE THINGS HER TV CHARACTER DID WE WOULD NOT HAVE A DEAD AMBASSADOR. I WILL NOT BE A VIEWER ANY LONGER NOR ALL MY FRIENDS I CONVINCED TO TUNE IN.. I UNDERSTAND TEA IS AN OBAMA CONTRIBUTOR….
I like the show. Tea Leoni does a good job with this. I can see the hidden agenda to compare to Hillary, but inspite of that I think it is still a good show.
In spite of the fact that I am NOT a Hillary fan I want them to keep this show That is with me knowing that one reason this particular show was written to change peoples perceptions of Hillary and to make them think that she actually DID something while Sec. of State. I’m sure some of you have seen the videos of people , mostly women at events for Hillary. When a group of them asked to name one thing she accomplished as Sec Of State not one of them could name one thing. One of them joking said ‘well… Read more »
I believe that the pilot was indeed somewhat skewed toward the Benghazi situation w/Hillary Clinton but I also believe it gave some insight as to how these situations aren’t a one-stop decision making activity. The shows just keep getting better and like West Wing provide smart and very current dialogue. The characters are played w/great connection — believable interaction. Please, oh please don’t just cancel this show without giving it time to develop a following. I’m a follower and have been talking it up to others.
CANCEL!! Worst show CBS has put out there this season. Tuned in first show, not impressed but watched next week because it was on after football and nothing else was on. Now that there are new shows on other channels like Walking Dead and even once upon a time this show will get eaten for lunch by them!
It isn’t unexpected that one’s political preferences can affect one’s opinion of what is good or bad TV entertainment. Accepting that, I find Madam Secretary entertaining and well done. The characters are believable and the chemistry between them is good. As with many of the better dramas , the plot issues are very contemporary. I hope the network executives are patient and let it build its following.
piece of ****
Put aside the fact it is so skewed left of the political spectrum…it is just plain boring. Watched the first night and haven’t since. That’s why it’s going down in ratings. It’s boring. Add to that that people don’t want failing agendas shoved down their throat when the world is on fire all around us! So won’t miss it!
I love this show and hope it does not get cancelled.
I like it. Renew..I TiVo all Monday programs for dancing. Move Sunday to Wednesday… I also like scorpion….abc s afv when comes back and once dig into madame
Love it, keep it!!
Love the show. We need more smart shows on TV. This show has huge promise and should be given time to gel. The Good Wife started slow and has grown to become a huge favourite. This show has the same great bones. Please support and continue.
Something that intrigues me about the tvseriesfinale site is why it attracts so many street-teamer comments.
You really don’t see so many obvious ones elsewhere on the net.
love it! Smart dialogue and great connection with cast! It’s a keeper please!