CBS still hasn’t cancelled its Madam Secretary TV show, despite Nielsen ratings declines in both its 18-49 year old demo and total viewership numbers. In the 2016-17 television season, this show’s demo ratings ranked 20th out of 26 scripted CBS series, but it drew enough viewers to rank eighth in terms of audience size. Although the Tiffany Network’s viewers tend to skew older, how long will this show’s performance suffice? Since the fourth season should give it a decent sized package to sell in syndication, will Madam Secretary be cancelled or renewed for season five? Stay tuned.
A political drama airing on the CBS television network, Madam Secretary stars Téa Leoni, Tim Daly, Bebe Neuwirth, 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.
5/21 update: You can see the latest night’s ratings in context.
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For comparisons: The third season of Madam Secretary averaged a 0.88 rating in the 18-49 demographic with 8.286 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 season five on CBS?
4/18/18 update: CBS has renewed Madam Secretary for a fifth season for 2018-19. Details here.
The best show on television. Great acting and great story lines. Donald Trump should take note.
Madam Secretary separates itself from all the guns and glory shows which have negative messages. It is information, educational and makes you think! I would like to see a different time slot. It is difficult for this show to have top ratings when competing with football and special event. I think 10:00 pm is a little late. People who are educated and well informed have retired for the night because they have to take an early train into NYC!
I love Madame secretary and am watching re runs because I miss it so much. It is so timely and well done and I pray we had someone like Madame Secretary in the White House. Watching her reaffirms my confidence in mankind and I am reminded that there are competent people who care about our country. please Have season 5. Thank you,
Madam Secretary is the ONLY tv show I watch !! other than the news – occasionally. I just dont like any of the other shows. probably cause I am older ? the people they have now dont have the range to fill a position, and, I dont think the writers are helping much. seem to have a whole new Gen of studio people and there is no seasoning yet. SO, I will stick with my DVD library for entertainment hahaha (currently passing 800 dvd’s) Tell that to your increasing advertising people also :-p
This is an epic show. It can’t go! This has inspired me to go in to politics.
Please leave the show we love it #Renewed for season 5
S04 was so good, please don’t leave it there.
Please keep this show! It is fantastic and should NOT be canceled!!!
Love this show & hope there will be a season 5.
Madam Secretary is one of my favorite shows. The writing is very good and gives one insight into how the issues of the world are not so black and white as some people think
This is one of the best political shows at present. Tea Leoni is fantastic in this role. This show takes on important issues and reminds us how important a “check and balance” government is needed more than ever before. E.g.: last show, simulated missile attach.
PLEASE DO NOT CANCEL THIS FABULOUS POLIT-DRAMA
PLEASE RENEW!!!!!!!
PLEASE don’t cancel this wonderful show. I LIVE for this show on Sunday nights. It is the most intelligent show on television right now. It is the antidote we need for all that is going on in real-life politics right now. The show gives me hope, and I need that!
Definitely RENEW….one of the best tv shows on!
It’s the best show ever I know that America is so much bigger than England but we love so many of the american shows every week we look forward to the show the acting and story lines are brilliant pls can we have a series 5
Please renew the show and find someone to fit the role of Nadine.
My family and I love the series in the UK, please do not cancel. Just one more season to complete – Please.