Madam Secretary

:

Season 1
  • Network: CBS
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 21, 2014
Season #: 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
5.9

Mixed or average reviews- based on 176 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 92 out of 176
  2. Mixed: 31 out of 176
  3. Negative: 53 out of 176
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  1. Juju2015
    Oct 20, 2014
    5
    Had high hopes. Love the actors. Scripts are limping already. Removed from DVR. Too close to political spin. Makes me uncomfortable and a little pissed, especially as it appears ready to keep leaning harder.
  2. reellm
    Dec 27, 2014
    6
    3.5/5★ Its a solid show made better by Téa Leoni's strong performance. I cant help but compare it to Aaron Sorkin's The West Wing but while it shares a similar sense of "Everything is solvable if we just talk about it" its not written as well. Madam Secretary is a good show that is quietly entertaining without the drama of Scandal or the sharpness of House of Cards. Interestingly, Madam3.5/5★ Its a solid show made better by Téa Leoni's strong performance. I cant help but compare it to Aaron Sorkin's The West Wing but while it shares a similar sense of "Everything is solvable if we just talk about it" its not written as well. Madam Secretary is a good show that is quietly entertaining without the drama of Scandal or the sharpness of House of Cards. Interestingly, Madam Secretary's creator, Barbara Hall, served as co-executive producer on Homeland and while the craziness of Homeland makes for edge of the seat entertainment sometimes its nice to watch something that isn't non-stop intensity.
    Note about conspiracies on TV- I hate them. You can't trust anyone and by the third season when the writers are digging for new angles the one person you never would have suspected is the bad guy.

    Verdict: I like it. It will be renewed.    … Expand
  3. Delaney005
    Dec 28, 2014
    6
    What gets me to continue watching a show is how the whole cast operated as a unit and not just one person, but Tea Leoni absolutely nails this part! She is so refreshing to watch and is believable in the role as a politician,mother and wife. I give it a 6 because I just don't connect with the immediate supporting cast. Nadine , Blake, Russell, Isabell and Henry are great but I just can'tWhat gets me to continue watching a show is how the whole cast operated as a unit and not just one person, but Tea Leoni absolutely nails this part! She is so refreshing to watch and is believable in the role as a politician,mother and wife. I give it a 6 because I just don't connect with the immediate supporting cast. Nadine , Blake, Russell, Isabell and Henry are great but I just can't get on board with the rest. I watched The West Wing religiously and from the pilot (before the first commercial), I was hooked because the cast just blended well together (in my opinion, there was no real "lead" part, the whole cast portrayed a leading part). If one cast member left, I would have felt the shows great dynamic would change. I feel Madam Secretary can actually survive if half the cast was not present. I will continue to watch this season because it has my attention but I am not a loyal watcher.… Expand
  4. pattyvicoale
    Sep 8, 2015
    5
    Tea Leoni is fitting for the role. Very promising show and almost sure that it will be better. It is not better because the script is vague and loose. Madam Secretary's staffers seems to be cartoons from Nickolodeon. Lack of seriousness in dealing with big issues. Not plausible. My advise is to replace her staffers with new cast. I dont care for their lives situations. Boring andTea Leoni is fitting for the role. Very promising show and almost sure that it will be better. It is not better because the script is vague and loose. Madam Secretary's staffers seems to be cartoons from Nickolodeon. Lack of seriousness in dealing with big issues. Not plausible. My advise is to replace her staffers with new cast. I dont care for their lives situations. Boring and senseless. Husband cant be working for NSA! Common thats even probable when wife is at the top of the world?
    Suggestion- keep Tea at her game- Joke staff send them to Ringling Bro circus and Connect viewers with footage/scenes of world issues instead of just telling the story. A'la West Wing.    … Expand
  5. IMAvoter
    Oct 23, 2018
    4
    Love the actors, hate the recent content. Globalism is dying, Hollywood. Both parties underestimate the resolve of US voters to protect our country from media globalist sponsors. We recognize propaganda when we see it. Sorry, Hillary. You lost. Politicians will be held accountable for policies that sell out our interests and the entire Western world via WTO, UN, etc .
  6. AD2022
    Jan 4, 2015
    5
    My husband and I WERE avid followers of this show- until the latest episode vilified Texas, portrayed conservative politicians as backwoods rabble rousers with neither sense nor manners, and rather obviously glorified the present administration. We had hoped that it would continue to be a political drama without an obvious agenda, but not anymore. A crudely written, tactless politicalMy husband and I WERE avid followers of this show- until the latest episode vilified Texas, portrayed conservative politicians as backwoods rabble rousers with neither sense nor manners, and rather obviously glorified the present administration. We had hoped that it would continue to be a political drama without an obvious agenda, but not anymore. A crudely written, tactless political manifesto that I am highly unlikely to watch again. Very disappointed- could've been a great show.… Expand
  7. martinex
    Sep 25, 2014
    6
    Awesome cast. The show has potential but It could easily devolve into one of those flag waiving back slapping sagas of the good old USA vs the stupid violent world outside. Let's hope for something more nuanced.
  8. jeremyp
    Oct 6, 2014
    5
    What started as potentially promising has devolved into a weak, unsophisticated, and ridiculous hour of prime time pablum. The writers don't even bother to compare their world of foreign affairs with the real one, and their version of American middle class life leaves me worrying about the future of our country. Tea Leoni's strength is her sardonic delivery, but in this she just seems toWhat started as potentially promising has devolved into a weak, unsophisticated, and ridiculous hour of prime time pablum. The writers don't even bother to compare their world of foreign affairs with the real one, and their version of American middle class life leaves me worrying about the future of our country. Tea Leoni's strength is her sardonic delivery, but in this she just seems to be lost between drama and comedy. The biggest weakness, as usual, is in the shallow writing, intended to pull in the average American, but which, as usual, insults them.… Expand
  9. walshrd
    Dec 2, 2014
    5
    There are about the same positives as negatives concerning this show. At times it appears that soap opera script writers dominate with vignettes into the personal lives of the staff of the Secretary of State and the lives of her daughters and family. Does anyone care? Or is this just the usual network filler because the writers couldnt fill the usual 41 mins with a continuously-engagingThere are about the same positives as negatives concerning this show. At times it appears that soap opera script writers dominate with vignettes into the personal lives of the staff of the Secretary of State and the lives of her daughters and family. Does anyone care? Or is this just the usual network filler because the writers couldnt fill the usual 41 mins with a continuously-engaging story line? I suspect the latter. The episodes are generally a bit over the top (when not off on a toot involving personal lives). Madam Secretary always comes to the rescue with an innovative solution just in time to avoid some stark calamity.
    Sometimes the calamity is so contrived that it is laughable. Like the episode where there is a chemical spill in India and the Texas Hot Shots are called on to put the fire out...as if India couldnt (in order to prevent harm to millions of their citizens). Was this a grade-school production of some sort? Then there is the current state of affairs having the former Secretary involved in a $40M slush fund in Venezuela. Huh? Who's the target audience for this farce? A new TV production doesnt have to boost itself over the top (like Scandal) to get good ratings. Im thinking the producers and writers arent old enough or experienced enough to know this. On the positive side, the lead is well played, and goings-on with the Secretary of State and a full spectrum of thorny foreign policy situations are new to the TV market. I suspect this newness and curiosity will fade rapidly into ho-hum if the writers and producers dont get their acts together.    … Expand
  10. dsl
    Sep 23, 2014
    6
    This show was very cheesy in the typical CBS fashion. Over explanation in case you are 90 and have trouble following along with the plot line. I didn't hate it though. It was not upsetting to watch, if I am very bored I may watch another episode unless I have anything else to do.
  11. jlizada
    Sep 22, 2014
    6
    Madam Secretary was quite a disappointment. Maybe because the pilot's story line was all given away in the trailer they had for this show.

    Leoni makes the character interesting but the episode was a bit boring. It felt a bit one note and didn't get exciting at all. I also worry about the season's story arc. I have a feeling it's going to get really messy and over the top. Unfortunately    Madam Secretary was quite a disappointment. Maybe because the pilot's story line was all given away in the trailer they had for this show.

    Leoni makes the character interesting but the episode was a bit boring. It felt a bit one note and didn't get exciting at all. I also worry about the season's story arc. I have a feeling it's going to get really messy and over the top. Unfortunately there's no way to go more over the top than Scandal. Anything less wouldn't be as entertaining and anything more would be too much.

    Madam Secretary has to find a way to make itself interesting. I'm staying on for the next few episodes and see how the season's story arc goes. It's not very promising though.    … Expand
  12. tommythegarden
    Sep 28, 2014
    6
    I like the premise, but don't care for the family angle. It is not needed nor does it expand the story line. The kids are cute, but not part of the story as I see it. We need more of the office politics on this show. It's interesting to see the behind the scenes, but it could use more tension.
  13. NotchFilter
    Sep 27, 2014
    6
    The pilot was very good. The cast is also very good. The plot is much less focused on backstabbing than Scandal, which is also very good.

    So why only a "6"? The time slot is horrible, given that the NFL cannot get their games to end on time and the start of this show is bumped. If the start of any of the next few shows is bumped to a later time by late-running NFL games, I'll    The pilot was very good. The cast is also very good. The plot is much less focused on backstabbing than Scandal, which is also very good.

    So why only a "6"? The time slot is horrible, given that the NFL cannot get their games to end on time and the start of this show is bumped. If the start of any of the next few shows is bumped to a later time by late-running NFL games, I'll probably just defer watching this show until the summer reruns make the rounds.    … Expand
  14. thefinn
    Nov 2, 2014
    4
    A show for women everywhere, and man-ginas too.

    The cast is "ok" and Tea Leoni does a good job in the role, however, I just cannot seem to get myself past the overtly feminist taint the show seems to adorn. I have zero issue with a show about the secretary of state or Tea Leoni being that person, however the dialogue and roles of the male counterparts makes the entire affair seem    A show for women everywhere, and man-ginas too.

    The cast is "ok" and Tea Leoni does a good job in the role, however, I just cannot seem to get myself past the overtly feminist taint the show seems to adorn.

    I have zero issue with a show about the secretary of state or Tea Leoni being that person, however the dialogue and roles of the male counterparts makes the entire affair seem almost - effortless - on her part, rather than the dizzying display of skill you'd think might do.

    It's not even West Wing in the sense of drama or greatness (She's not the president) so adding the imbalance into the sex-war thing just makes the whole thing rather tedious.    … Expand
  15. CelticView
    Oct 31, 2014
    5
    Great cast - Tea Leoni is a fine actor, but the story lines are real poor - very, very lightweight. I find myself more interested in her home life and the family dynamic that the actual central stories.

    To be honest, I'm on the verge of giving up watching - pity really.
  16. kmrgn
    Oct 19, 2014
    6
    good show but get your damn facts straight, the WAR of 1812 was not won by the U.S. Damn Americans want to take credit for everything. Just as was done in the American movie about the capture of the ENIGMA machine.
  17. NoemieBarbara
    Dec 1, 2015
    4
    I am watchig this show from far away, France, Europe. I am pleased to watch a well written and well acted and executed show. With the time passing by, I am realizing, and the feeling is strong and disturbing, that under"the entertainment aspect", this show is actually a huge piece of propaganda and whoever is really interested in the politics, in the very day to day politics, cannot butI am watchig this show from far away, France, Europe. I am pleased to watch a well written and well acted and executed show. With the time passing by, I am realizing, and the feeling is strong and disturbing, that under"the entertainment aspect", this show is actually a huge piece of propaganda and whoever is really interested in the politics, in the very day to day politics, cannot but agree with me. I was particularly "amazed" by the episode of the USA President forcing his way to the EU summit, to prevent the German chancellor from "throwing" Greece out from the EU. I really do wonder to which extent the last episode - showing the dangerous double game of the Ukrainian Prime Minister - shows the White House today's concern about this country and relations with Russia in the real world.… Expand
  18. dcssteve
    Nov 2, 2017
    6
    I liked this show the first couple of seasons but now I am finding it quite boring. I think the writing is not very good. I think the show has an identity problem caused by the writers lack of creativity. The show spends too much time between three plots, Family, Secretary of State, and CIA husband. It cannot seem to focus on any one of them and it should focus more on the Secretary ofI liked this show the first couple of seasons but now I am finding it quite boring. I think the writing is not very good. I think the show has an identity problem caused by the writers lack of creativity. The show spends too much time between three plots, Family, Secretary of State, and CIA husband. It cannot seem to focus on any one of them and it should focus more on the Secretary of State. The other issue is the oversimplification of world and political issues with superwoman secretary having and almost 100 percent genius rating in solving issues. It just does not work that way. My partner likes the show so I watch it now but if left to me, I would not. We watch it on Amazon so we do not have commercials. Tea Leon is great put the writing is killing the show for me. West Wing was so much better and I was sorry when it ended.… Expand
  19. gc720
    Apr 1, 2018
    5
    I keep watching and every show I keep thinking how good this show could be if it were not for 2 things. Tia Leoni's character is such a WIMP. Who it this powerful position could be such a whiner? Such a damning portrayal of powerful women everywhere. She has a powerful husband family and you make "her" wimpy; I don't understand this writing. Step it up writers! Also, stop the non-stopI keep watching and every show I keep thinking how good this show could be if it were not for 2 things. Tia Leoni's character is such a WIMP. Who it this powerful position could be such a whiner? Such a damning portrayal of powerful women everywhere. She has a powerful husband family and you make "her" wimpy; I don't understand this writing. Step it up writers! Also, stop the non-stop liberal lifestyle pushing, trying to pushing it down the throats. Turns us off of the whole message! I've hung in 4 seasons hoping for more, a good script. Get with it.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

88
#88 Best TV Season of 2014
17
#17 Most Discussed TV Season of 2014
35
#35 Most Shared TV Season of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 31
  3. Negative: 1 out of 31
  1. Under The Radar
    Reviewed by: Cody Ray Shafer
    Sep 24, 2014
    75
    A smart and enthralling D.C. drama that resurrects its predecessor's outlook, but still takes on a life of its own.
    Read full review
  2. People Weekly
    Reviewed by: Tom Gliatto
    Sep 22, 2014
    63
    The premiere episode of Madam Secretary, for the time being, suggests that the show is very much the little sister [to The Good Wife].... But Madam Secretary, in which Téa Leoni plays the newly appointed secretary of state, deserves to hang around long enough to formulate and declare itself.
    Read full review
  3. Newark Star-Ledger
    Reviewed by: Vicki Hyman
    Sep 22, 2014
    83
    Solid but a bit staid.
    Read full review
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