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 State of Affairs on another season please.! Good cast good acting & lots of drama!
I love ‘Madame Secretary’ way too much and with the NCIS umbrella continuing with ‘NCIS Cyber’, I don’t think ‘State of Affairs’ stands much of a chance…even with a strong ‘Blacklist’ lead in. I love ‘The Blacklist’ and even DVR it but would definitely skip ‘State of Affairs’.
I hate to disagree with all the folks that think this program is so good the storyline isn’t bad but it is a carbon copy of other shows plus katherine heigl still doesn’t need 2 dress lake she’s going out to party just don’t bankthe folks that think this program is so good the storyline isn’t bad but it is a carbon copy of other shows plus katherine heigl still doesn’t need 2 dress lake she’s going out to party ! I’ve given this program more than 1 chance to impress just not very believable like you’re better in roswell… Read more »
Most Excellent! Definitely renew!!
Renew for sure! It’s gotten better with every episode! Katherine is incredible as well as the whole cast. People just need to give it a chance and maybe if they renew it will catch on.
I have to agree, next to Stalker, it is the second best new show on TV. It has to be renewed. So much reality crap on the tube–these shows make you think and really get involved in them. Give them a second season.
Renew. It is different and I like it.
This is a great thriller. This show shows strong women in power. Black female President. Female head of CIA Kathetine Heigle is astounding. The most important aspect for me it’s not only about SEX . Not only about scenes of cheating lusting and ridiculously having affairs in the Oval Office. It’s a Soap Opera . If I ran the Network I’d give it all i’ve got. Best time slot more intense marketing like some other shows are doing. Live Tweeting Get the cast to live Tweet connect with the public As a fan I also think you should give an… Read more »
I completely agree Linda. Social media involvement is a great idea! The story line is incredible and keeps me on the edge of my seat. Katherine is amazing in this show. I would RENEW! But unfortunately anytime I like a show it gets canceled. Shows need time to get their footing. It’s impossible to know how a story will go after one season. My God look at Honey Boo Boo. That’s complete garbage along with most other reality tv. I would rather see an amazing scripted drama about the CIA than a “scripted” reality television series about a white trash… Read more »
The show has only gotten better with each episode. Maybe it should follow the Blacklist on Thursdays. Monday night is chock full, give it a chance.
SAVE STATE OF AFFAIRS!!!!!!!
It’s my second favorite show next to The Black List. It gets do old you get invested in a show. Then they cancel it for something else they will cancel. There are too many shows canceled or ending. Parenthood is ending it was one if the best. Anyway back to the SOA and not the one with Jax eating the big wheeler. I love Nick he is a bad Ass. So fun. Please keep this show!!! Jeff
I love these types of shows but I can’t stand Katherine Heigel. I’m sure there are a lot of people who feel the same way I do.
It is a ridiculous show. The lead is a fluffy lightweight actress ;when she tries to look serious it is laughable. Missing was a great 24- like thriller with Ashley Judd that was cancelled. She was great and believable. This show is a silly failed attempt to have a strong female lead. The rest of the cast is good and script great. The lead character weak and unbelievable in this role. Maybe renew show with a stronger female is only hope. Otherwise keputsville!
I think it is the best show out there now days. I am a crazy shows lover, trust me i watch 5 series at the same time but this one is my NUMBER 1 !!!!!! KEEP IT PLEASE
Love the show but I can see why the ratings are lower than they should be. The whole Aaron thread got too much exposure. I know that the President and Charlie are invested but the viewers are not. We don’t know Aaron and if we don’t know him we can’t be expected to care. Now that his death has been explained we can all move on and the show should see ratings improvement. For what it’s worth, even the Blacklist suffered when they spent too much time on Tom.
NBC – have some faith! We’re just getting started.
The way these shows are written, who knows Aaron might be alive and they will make up some crazy story line.
It is too much of a carbon copy of Madam Secretary. The only thing I LOVE about the show is Katherine Heigl. Ms. Woodward is not credible as the president. She does not fit the part. I do not feel it. Nothing to do with her being a woman. It is also too closely related to this BO president that we have now.
I LOVE Katherine Heigl. However, her talent is lost in this show. It is a copy of Madame Secretary which holds my interest much more. The only reason that I am still watching State of Affairs is because katherine Heigl is on it. I would love to see her return to Gray’s Anatomy as Doctor Izzie Stevens as the show needs something that it has lost. Shondra cut her nose to spite her face when she did not take Heigl back when she wanted to. Alfre Goodard does not portray the role as president of the US. It is not… Read more »