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?
Definitely do not cancel the show. I honestly don’t think that it was properly advertised. I was just introduced to this show and was hooked that I watched the first 11 episodes on Demand the first day. People need to give it chance. Yes, there are other shows with similar plots, but State of Affairs does have great actors for the most part (90%). I am definitely left wanting to see more of this show and I hope that it is NOT canceled!
Amongst it’s many flaws, the easiest and quickest for to “State of Affairs” to correct is the pacing. It’s painfully slow for subject matter that’s so ergent. Since it’s too late to speed things up in front of the camera (i.e. it’s “in the can”), then it’s up to editorial and to do so w/out Kathy “the producer/star” (or her mother for that matter) restraining the scissors from doing their job, even if it leaves the prettiest footage of Kathy on the cutting room floor. The content needs to be the star, and I see this as the primary obsticle… Read more »
LOVE THIS SHOW!
I’m sorry, but this show is absolutely horrendous! There are a dozen other shows of the same nature that have far better writing & acting that are much more compelling than this abomination. I’ve got nothing against Katherine Heigl, but she’s not at all suited for this role. She just doesn’t have this particular acting skill set in her portfolio to be able to pull it off and the writing stops at the surface. There’s no depth to the acting or the writing and the ratings clearly bare that out since it’s slipped even more basically every single week. I… Read more »
I really enjoy the Intense hour every week of STATE OF Affairs. Sort of reminds me of the 24 show. Always on the edge of my seat. Give it a chance.
YEEEESSSS!
I love this show. Do not cancel this show. It is the best show on since 24.
Very good comparison Donna!
Really enjoy this show. One of the few I will actually watch live. Keeps my interest from start to finish. Alfre Woodard deserves to be on TV every week!
Love the new series please keep it on the acting and story line is great.
LOVE THE SHOW!!
I wanted to like this show, but it just doesn’t sustain my interest.
Totally awesome show…PLEASE do NOT cancel..thanks!
Do NOT cancel this show. The writing is great. I believe it to be realistic. It’s can be hard to watch as we see a portrait of what could be/is going on in the world and how our country participates in it.
I usually do not watch shows of this nature but I am hooked on the characters and the story line. very, very fine writing.And, yes, Melissa, it is a mirror of what is going on right now.
Also how can you cancel a show that people have to look and find. It’s on one week & then not on for 2-3 weeks
My wife love this new show. The madam secretary and this show are 2 of the best new shows we have seen and we are in that 18-49 Demo. It always seems like they never give the new shows a chance. I did not like the first 2 shows but it has gotten better as the shows proceeds. The blacklist is good but over complicated and if you miss a week or two you get lost.
Don’t cancel state of affairs Thanks
You absolutely cannot cancel this show! The top too characters are both strong women, and they play the part extremely well! It focuses on issues happening in the world today. Every episode leaves you on the edge of your seat, wanting to see what is going to happen next. Very well written, and love all of the cast/characters!
That a girl Melissa–spread the word and let’s keep this show going!