Will this be the final season for the Madam Secretary TV show on CBS? In terms of its demo numbers, it ranked 23rd out of the 26 scripted CBS TV series we tracked during the regular 2017-18 season, but rose to 16th place when we sorted by average total audience size. Now that it is back for a fifth season, will the network decide it has a sufficient syndication package and end the show here, or will it continue? Should Madam Secretary be cancelled or renewed for season six? Stay tuned. *Status update below.
A CBS political drama Madam Secretary stars Téa Leoni, Tim Daly, Sara Ramirez, Željko Ivanek, Keith Carradine, Sebastian Arcelus, Patina Miller, Geoffrey Arend, Erich Bergen, Kathrine Herzer, Wallis Currie-Wood, and Evan Roe. The drama follows the shrewd, determined Elizabeth McCord (Leoni). As U.S. Secretary of State, she battles office politics, while driving diplomacy and negotiating global deals.
Elizabeth was once a CIA analyst, who exited that post for ethical reasons. She later returned to public life, at the request of President Conrad Dalton (Carradine). He values her apolitical leanings, knowledge of the Middle East, flair for languages, and unconventional thinking. Elizabeth is married to Henry (Daly), a former theology professor who is now an intelligence operative. Together, they’re bringing up three children, which can really test her diplomatic skills.
The ratings are typically the best sign of a show’s likelihood of staying on the air. The higher the ratings (particularly in the 18-49 demo), the better the chances for survival. This chart will be updated as new ratings data becomes available — usually the next day, around 11:30am EST/8:30am PST. Refresh to see the latest.
4/22 update: You can see the latest night’s ratings in context.
Note: If you’re not seeing the updated chart, please try reloading the page or view it here.
For comparisons: The fourth season of Madam Secretary averaged a 0.63 rating in the 18-49 demographic with 6.163 million total viewers.
Note: These are the Live + Same Day Ratings which include “live” viewing plus delayed DVR viewing, up until 3am local time that same night. Ratings marked with an “*” are the fast affiliate ratings and will be updated with the Live+SD numbers when they are made available. Typically, networks get paid for C+3 ratings which includes DVR viewing within three days of the original airing when commercials are watched. Those numbers are rarely released to the press.
What do you think? Do you still like the Madam Secretary TV series? Should it be cancelled or renewed for a sixth season on CBS?
*5/9/19 update: CBS has renewed Madam Secretary for a sixth season.
Last weeks episode has been bothering me. I feel you have done a great disservice to individuals who truly need a service dog. You should not be encouraging people to order service vests on line, so they can take their pets where they are not wanted or allowed. That being said, we do enjoy the show, and hope this is not the last season, perhaps changing days, Sundays are to busy.
Perhaps if the show was aired regularly it would fair better. It is a great show but you never know when it will air. Being on a Sunday night after football causes viewers to not know when it will actually air.
I am just wondering from some of the comments, is it the norm in the United States to dismiss a show because you feel it has leanings to one side? If you had a close friend who didn’t share the same political views as you but they were upfront, honest, kind etc, would you dismiss them? The unfortunate thing that is happening in American politics is that people are putting party over what is best for the nation as a whole. Being different, having different opinions on matters is what makes life interesting. Living in our own bubble, with only… Read more »
It’s amazing how the show can still be on the air. They have taken better ratings and demographics that were canceled. This is really a dilemma what’s going on there.
I like the show and have seen every episode. I take offense to S5E10. As a resident of AS I don’t appreciate the way this issue was portrayed. I’d rather have it portrayed as it really happened if at all. I realize it’s just a show but if your going to push the boundaries of real life it’d be appreciated if you portrayed it in a factual way instead of the bs you used to highlight the issue.
Cancel the show/ just another leftist Propagabda BS – not entertainment
I love how up-to date and current this show is. ….. In fact,…I think it’s literally…. the BEST
show on the air….today!
Please keep this series and allow Elizabeth to pursue a run for the presidency. This seasons episodes have run close parallels to current national politics and have provided modeling of a moral, responsible, and respectful approach to negotiating solutions. This characters relationships with her children, husband, colleagues, subordinates are psychologically, emotionally healthy and respectful providing stark contrast to our president and members of Congress. This country needs a series like this at this time.
I hope you don’t cancel this program. It’s unfortunate some viewers can’t tolerate balance and an affirmative perspective.
We enjoyed the show from its beginning season. However, we no longer wish to watch – there is now a liberal political agenda being shoved down our throats.
Liberal political agenda? No I disagree. It clearly show the unfortunate approach our country is taking. It is a refreshing, a balance of political and family values. It makes you think rather than wanting to kill, blow up or show violence that is portrayed on so many tv shows.
My feelings totally / suppose to be entertainment not political brainwashing
If you are a conservative &/or Republican you would most likely never have been watching this show. It has a totally Independent/Democratic leaning while showing compassion and tolerance. It so closely mirrors the horrors around us and throughout the world that it’s message needs to be seen. So again, tolerance across both sides should be encouraged while trying to find common ground & compromise to actually address & solve problems.
So please don’t cancel the show- it might cause some viewers to go out & get involved. And that can only be a good thing.
I agree with the comment above. Please give it at least one more season!!
After the Low blow to our current setting president on the last episode. I am done with the show. It’s now a political tool.
I’m both Republican and conservative and love this show.
Enjoy the show and hope it will be renewed.
I love love love this show! Please—we need it now more than ever!❤️
I have always enjoyed watching Madame Secretary but I think it’s run it’s course……time to be CANCELLED!
Do not like the way,the show is trending. I love Tea Leoni and Tim Daly, but will not be watching Madame Secretary anymore.
I liked it too but after the 7th of October. Episode I am not watching it any more
Please Please do NOT cancel Madam Secretary. It is my very favorite show of all time. Of course Code Black was a great show also, it was more like our old ER, and always exciting. But I really really love Madam Secretary. Please do not cancel Madam Secretary!!