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?


One of the best shows on television. Love everyone in the cast. They’re like family. PLEASE renew it for a second, third and fourth season!!!
One of our favorite shows to watch! Please don’t cancel and renew a second season. Love the cast!
How anyone can call this show boring is beyond me. There is plot within plot, drama, intrigue and action! Sometimes it “reaches”, but let us remember it is a show – designed to entertain and keep our interest.
I truly hope it is not cancelled. Given all the mindless programs showing today – this one has a great story line and continues to be intriguing and entertaining. The acting is superb as well.
I like the show a lot. Actually it is my favourite. I think that the Monday time slot is the problem. I record each week and watch later. Don’t give up on it NBC.
State of Affairs is a terrific show: Please don’t cancel it!
Keep State of Affairs!!!! Ready for the 2nd season already!
Do not cancel State of Affairs. It is my favorite of the new season. LOVE IT
We LOVE this show! Didn’t find it until halfway through the season and stayed up way too late for several nights catching up! PLEASE renew and give people a chance to find it…once they do they’ll love it!
Love love loved it!!! Do not cancel!!
Keep it. Great show.
I like the show a lot. Actually it is my favourite. I fear that the Monday time slot is the problem. I record each week and watch later. Dot give up on it NBC.
KEEP THIS SHOW. !! Are people afraid to have to think a little bit about the plots? It seems like people don’t want to use their brains anymore when a series involves more intelligent content.
We love the show. POTUS a little over the top at times. Please renew and my wife would like you to find a way to have Jake survive.
Love the show. Please re-new and my wife wants you to resurrect Jake somehow.
We love this show! Please, please, please bring it back for another season. Love all the characters. So many potential plots to continue the show. All my friends love it too. Please bring it back.