Both CBS and NBC have launched new TV shows that revolve around smart blonde women who hold important government positions in Washington, DC. CBS’ Madam Secretary has already been renewed for a second season. What will happen to NBC’s State of Affairs? Will it be renewed or cancelled?
State of Affairs follows a top CIA analyst (Katherine Heigl) who assembles the President of the United States’ Daily Briefing (PDB), weighing the vital security issues that face the nation. She has a close personal relationship with the commander-in-chief (Alfre Woodard) as she was once engaged to the president’s now-deceased son. The rest of the cast of this dramatic thriller includes Adam Kaufman, Sheila Vand, Cliff Chamberlain, Tommy Savas, and David Harbour.
Taking over for NBC’s highly-rated series The Blacklist, State of Affairs debuted in November to a healthy 2.2 rating in the 18-49 demographic with 8.69 million viewers. It was a solid start that was no doubt aided by its strong lead-in The Voice. Some people were also possibly expecting to find a new episode of The Blacklist in the timeslot instead.
In week two, despite still having a strong lead-in, State of Affairs’ ratings dropped more than 36% to a 1.4 in the demo with 5.39 million. They rose up a bit in week three but have been falling ever since. Last week’s installment hit new series lows with a 0.7 in the demo and 3.62 million viewers.
Though NBC had high hopes for this series, State of Affairs is just not measuring up. The network is poised to finish airing the 13 episode season (there are four episodes remaining after tonight’s) but it’s hard to imagine that they’d consider renewing it for a second season with poor ratings like these.
NBC entertainment chairman Robert Greenblatt recently said, “I’m disappointed in what it’s been doing [in the ratings] the last couple of weeks… It’s a show that I think is a really fine show, so I’m scratching my head a little bit about why we can’t get more people to be there for it.”
There’s still time for the numbers to improve but it doesn’t seem likely they’d be good enough to save the show. Hopefully the season finale will offer viewers some measure of closure to the ongoing storylines.
But, what do you think? Do you like the State of Affairs TV show? If you ran the network, would you cancel or renew the series for a second season? How would you improve this show if it was renewed?
Keep the show! More and more people are hesitant to become invested in shoes unless there are multiple seasons already- this is a very smart, entertaining show- please don’t cancel and eventually this will be a binge watch favorite!
I watch this show it is a very good show do not cancel it please so many of my other shows have been canceled for once give it a chance !!!!!!
Please keep state of affairs! Love this show!
Meh – I could go either way in this one. If they keep it, I’d rather they stick with more D.C. scenes of her team solving problems, instead of the flashback Afghanistan(?) “mystery” stuff. Also, more Alfre!
Don’t understand the low ratings and how they are obtained. I’m disappointed, because if you were to see this show, you’d be hooked. A great program that focuses on current international events that should interest those that care about our country’s future.
Love State of Affairs. Would hate to see it cancelled. Eveyrone I know watches this show. NBC should stick with it! Katherine Heigl is excellent in this show.
Keep it on
My vote is to renew State of Affairs. If only they should move it to a new night depending on a much bigger audience…or not.
the reason the show is failing is simple. Katherine Heigl! sorry for all of you who like her but she has a bad rep. i would never watch anything she does.
My wife and I, 65 and 63 respectively, consider State of Affairs the highlight of the tv week. Its characters and plots are absolutely riveting and Katherine is spectacular. You have a masterpiece on your hands; audiences just need more time to catch on. Most appreciatively yours, Ray.
Yes, please KEEP this show on.
Keep it on !! the numbers are down due to the holiday season! There are very few good programs on. This is a good one!
I enjoy State of Affairs and sm giving it every chance. If I were NBC, I would NOT run it at the same time as Castle and NCIS spinoff. I like all 3 of the shows as I sm sure many do. My system can only record 2 so I watch 1 of the 3 while it airs. That is not possible for many viewers. I like the premise of State and I like Heigl. About the script: it can be confusing and it is always intense. I would like to see a fuller range of emotions including some happiness… Read more »
I just got into the show. I caught up on the episodes I missed and am now hooked. I love Katherine Heigl and she really does her character proud. State of Affairs is a high quality program that keeps you on the edge of your seat and wanting more. I wonder how many shows would be cancelled if network bureaucrats were replaced by the people who actually watch the shows. Viewers know what’s good; network execs are bean-counters who don’t even watch the programs they want to cancel; they probably don’t even watch TV.
Please keep it! I love the show.