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 LOVE LOVE the show!!!!! Do the people who DVR every week not get counted in ratings or something?? The low numbers do not make sense , it started off kind of slow but man we look forward to watching it each week , like young children waiting for the ice cream man !! Ha! Please renew for season 2!!!
Im 58 and my two daughters – in NYC and Dallas (25 and 28) LOVE this show! We have watched all of Blacklist and think SOA is better!! – Please dont cancel!! Advertise it more!!
State of Affairs has become my favorite tv series. It has the feel of a movie rather than a tv show. It is well written and the actors do an amazing job. I don’t know what would cause a drop in ratings nor do I know if they factor in those of us who watch on HULUPlus or on the NBC website. I’ve recommended the show to several others who are all hooked in the show as well. I just finished watching the season finale and was not disappointed. If the powers that be at NBC take notice of articles,… Read more »
KEEP this show! My husband and I watch it every week. Love it, always intriguing, entertaining, and exciting.
Greatest drama on television. On the edge of my seat the whole show – can’t wait until the next one. I will buy anything the advertisers are selling ! Keep this on the air !!!
State of Affairs is one of the best shows on tv. We look forward to watching it every week.
I love the show…
I work in the MidEast and I find this show to be so in point with what I experience.
This show keeps mee on the edge of my seat. A lot like 24 (the tv show). It would be ashame that this program would be cancelled. Give it a chance to come back next season.
I don’t understand the low ratings. It parallels current events. The actors do a great job. It is interesting, intelligent, and relevant. Please don’t cancel this great show.
THIS SHOW IS GREAT. PLEASE RENEW IT. EXCELLENT ACTING, GREAT WRITING.
Please produce one more season. I seldom commit to viewing any TV series, for lack of interest from week to week. Since the start of “Blacklist”, I have been hooked and eagerly waiting for every new episode. When “State of Affairs” aired their first episode, I was leery that Katherine Heigl could play the part, but was surprisingly mistaken. The premise of the series is fresh and imaginably realistic, with all that is happening around the World. I have watched every episode, and have enjoyed all of season one. With the cliff hanger hook the show left us wanting more,… Read more »
Definitely renew. There are too many shows of a similar nature with a tired format, thus I can’t understand it when a fresh, dramatic series dealing with current topics in a professional manner normally associated with full-length movies fails to impress.
We love this show do not cancel can’t wait for season 2..
This show has raised its intensity week after week
since its debut. It is well acted, in tune with current
events and has characters we care about. Please do
not cancel it. Give it a better time slot/time. And
advertise it more. I did not see any scenes played
in advertisements to lure new viewers. It is a very
worthwhile show that should not be given up on.
Love this show. Pug on Netflix and hook the masses. Give it another season.