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?


spent a lot of years in d.c. and I loved this show, it is current with what is going on in the us and its enemies, it shows some of the things that is going on in the world and imagines what the govt does to protect us. I guess the U.S. population is more interested in what is going on with duck dynasty and the bachelor.
I love the show. It is intelligent, well conceived, logical and interesting. And Katherine is a super actor. Totally.
Love the show!!! Renew!!
Renew – love the show!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Renew. Enjoyed it a lot. Thanks
Please keep State of Affairs!! Love this show!!!
RENEW! This is a great show. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE RENEW
State of Affairs! Love K. Heigel. Do more with the black woman pres. role. Fabulous role. Watched every episode as they aired. Renew Renew Renew!
RENEW! The only problem with the show is the networks poor marketing. It seemed a little weak at start but the plot and action picked up closer to the end. Shake it up and keep it going,
Yes, I hope so too. Obviously there are tons of folks that really like this show – they like it enough to take the time to respond and ask the network to keep it on. I wonder when they are going to make the decision? Doe anyone know that and know how we will find out what their decision is?
I just hope all these positive comments get to someone with influence that can keep this on tv !
Definitely, keep it. Can be scripted to parallel currently developing world events.
Love this show!
Renew!!! Great show! Watched the pilot and ended up binge watching the rest!
State of Affairs is my only reason to stop by NBC. Renew, Renew, Please Renew!!!!,