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?


Love this show, the cast, and the story line. Katherine Hiegl and Alfred Woodard are excellent. Please renew .
I saw the latest episode and was sad that Nick died. This show needs to be renewed; it keeps you on the edge of your seat and I am always looking forward to the next one. NBC has brought on another spy show “allegiance” which I don’t think comes close to state of affairs. It’s on after Blacklist. I think state of affairs should be on after Blacklist. Move it to Thursday!!!! I really don’t care about watching a “Russian spy” show.
renew it just makes great TV,
NBC Should be cancelled if they do not renew this show
a definite renew if NBC does not then NBC should be cancelled
This show is great!!!! Give it one more year at least. With 900 channels it takes people some time to find the really good ones.
State of Affairs is GREAT!!!!! You must give the general, not so hip, public to see it; they’ll fall in love with it. Please give it one more year at least.
Renew, Renew, Renew! Love this show, always watch it Monday nights, then re-watch on Hulu!
I love the show, regardless of who is or isn’t in it. It has all the drama and suspense that a lot of shows are missing. I truly think they should keep it and maybe move it to a night that isn’t so full of other shows.
DEFINITELY RENEW!!!!! The show is awesome!
Love the Show!!!!! By all means RENEW
I love this show. Regardless of all the negative reviews, this show has a lot of potential. Please renew.
PLEASE RENEW FOR 2nd SEASON!
Addicted to this show, finally a show with a good story line. It’s a keeper
I love Katherine Hiegl’s acting. Feb 9…episode best ever. I am sooooo hopeful for another season. I wish there was a way the network could determine how many are using the dvr and enjoying the show the next day… and the ratings would be a more accurate show. It comes on late…. and is easier for us to watch it the next night. …. I was way to anxious to see tonights episode though… and had to see it live! Please renew !!!!!!! Gigantic Hiegl fan!! (… I have loved her in the romantic comedys but Wow she is amazing… Read more »
Please keep the show! If you look at “Breaking Bad” ratings the first season, they are horrible.. Vince knew he needed to tweak the show a little bit, and it became one of the best.. I think since it’s from a CIA analyst/operative perspective, it needs more actual drama. Examples: More covert operations, more James Bond type material. More guns and sex, less politics!! More time in the situation room.. This show still has crazy potential!!
Agree, this show has totally kept my interest & still has Crazy Potential – it already has had enough twists & turns to keep the audience engaged