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?
I love this show. It is the best performance by Katherine Heigl since Grays days.
It is very smart and has a really good cast. I record a lot of programs but this is one I always look forward to seeing the next day.
Please keep it. There is a lot to work with in this plot line.
Keep State of Affairs on TV! . I think the show is exciting and I like the characters.
Get something better
I love this show, but I end up watching it on demand because of the lateness & my early work schedule.
It is a fantastic show. Keep, keep and keep it.
This show is excellent, and I am astounded it has such bad numbers. I have to admit that I am one of those who Tivos TV shows, so that skews the ratings. After the first week I was interested, but let the recordings pile up. Finally started watching the recordings and got hooked. I think the storyline is terrific. What is scary about it is that it seems so plausible. The characters are well developed and the acting is really, really good. It reminds me a bit of “24” – nerve-racking to watch at times, but I’m glad I did.… Read more »
Please keep the show. It’s terrific. I liken it to Showtime’s Homeland on network tv.
Please keep this show! It is truly nice to see a strong female role & cast that demonstrates intellect and does not revolve around sex &/or constant sexual innuendos! Also, please do not kill off Nick’s character.
State of affairs should be renewed even though it’s a tv story it truly shows what the world is up against. Hope Nick can be saved and help Charlie get the bad guys.
Keep this show going, State of Affairs is my favorite show
Keep! Keep! KEEP! Please.
Please renew !!! Look forward to it every Monday.
Keep the show! This is one of my favorites and one of my top three! Do not cancel this show!!!
This is an entertaining, well-cast and timely program. Yes, its serious–because the world around us has a lot of serious issues. The high-tech presence, the engaging stories make for great tv. Interesting characters made me connect with the show and never miss an episode. Renew State of Affairs!
Please please renew. Best thing NBC has on the air. It is an intelligent ,exciting drama about today. It may take another season for people to get into it. Please give the general public time to spread the word about how great this show is. ALSO, figure out a way for Nick (McKenna) to return. He could have gone back in the tunnel. His sexy appeal is another strong suit for this wonderful show. NBC used to do dramas well. This is the first example for a long time that they can still do that well.