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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User Reviews

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  1. Shannonhill
    Jan 18, 2015
    10
    Tia Leoni gets a well deserved applause for the great acting she does on this show. I find myself wanting to watch this show over all of the others I have recorded on my DVR each week. I hope the network renews this show for a few seasons.
  2. kjjmmc
    Sep 22, 2014
    8
    Well acted, especially by Leoni who brings a nice balance to the part. I felt the Chief of Staff as the "opposition" was a bit forced and rang a touch false and the depth of th ed storyline left room for improvement. But the basics were there, especially in the casting of her staff.
  3. KMV
    Sep 22, 2014
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I very much enjoyed the first episode of Madame Secretary - but almost solely because of Leoni's performance. Not that anyone else was bad, just pushed to obvious supporting roles at the moment. The story itself was a bit cookie cutter, though I loved the pointed commentary made about how fashion will push out content in the daily news cycle. The one part I wasn't sure about, was the whole "conspiracy" within the WH bit. It seems gimmicky to me - I'm hoping for more "West Wing" than "Scandal".

    With a cast including Bebe Neuwirth, Zeljko Ivanek, and Keith Carradine, and some promising lesser knowns, I'm hoping the writing will be up to the potential.    … Expand
  4. susierdm
    Sep 30, 2014
    10
    This show is a keeper! The cast is great -- love Tea Leoni! The dialogue is quick; does not drag along! Loved West Wing, so I hope CBS keeps this!
  5. dramaaddict
    Sep 26, 2014
    10
    My favorite new show of the season. Similar to Scandal but not over the top. I guess the best way to explain it is that it seems like a cross of The Good Wife and Scandal. I heard that the preview gave away too much information and spoiled it for some people. I hope everyone hangs in there for a bit and gives it a chance. I think it will prove to be a great show.
  6. sweetsuzee
    Sep 22, 2014
    10
    CBS seems to have a winner here. First episode was jam packed for obvious reasons but the tone of the show and the cast will make it work quite well. Glad something decent has been created.
  7. RikerDonegal
    Sep 23, 2014
    7
    Tea Leoni is perfectly cast in a show that’s a cross between The Good Wife and Homeland. The stories in the pilot were predictable, but the focus was more on establishing the lead character and her world. And it did that to perfection. If the series can generate good stories every week, then it will be worth watching.
  8. erom1943
    Jan 19, 2018
    10
    IMO, this show, along with Blue Bloods, are the best scripted dramas on all of television. Writing and acting are excellent. Subject matter is almost always relevant. Unfortunately, CBS scheduled this show on Sunday night, which means you will have no idea what time it's going to start. Evidently, CBS purposely runs overtime with football and golf. Guessing it's so they can get betterIMO, this show, along with Blue Bloods, are the best scripted dramas on all of television. Writing and acting are excellent. Subject matter is almost always relevant. Unfortunately, CBS scheduled this show on Sunday night, which means you will have no idea what time it's going to start. Evidently, CBS purposely runs overtime with football and golf. Guessing it's so they can get better Sunday prime time ratings. Bad news for their Sunday shows, because when you go tune in your favorite show, something else is on, so you go elsewhere.… Expand
  9. JAustin
    Oct 15, 2014
    9
    What an outstanding departure from the typical network TV fare of late. The characters are three-dimensional, the lead is human, her husband isn't an idiot, and they discuss and work through their problems like adults. Whether or not you agree with the themes in the political backdrop, it's a fine representation of people dealing with the issues and stresses in their work and home livesWhat an outstanding departure from the typical network TV fare of late. The characters are three-dimensional, the lead is human, her husband isn't an idiot, and they discuss and work through their problems like adults. Whether or not you agree with the themes in the political backdrop, it's a fine representation of people dealing with the issues and stresses in their work and home lives like reasonable, responsible adults. I want to watch many more episodes of this standout drama; I just hope that it doesn't fall victim to low ratings, since it distinguishes itself so far afield of the typical lewd & crude, dopey & dumbed down fare that the networks are wont to produce.… Expand
  10. Jmarkar
    Sep 30, 2014
    9
    Tea Leoni Surprised me! The whole show surprised !! I expected a cheesy exploitation of Hillary Clinton, and maybe some ham-handed acting and plots. But this series so far has surprised me with some intelligence and a lot of promise. I wish Aaron Sorkin was in there with the writing... there is lots of room for the exploration of both the critical role of diplomacy and the inherentTea Leoni Surprised me! The whole show surprised !! I expected a cheesy exploitation of Hillary Clinton, and maybe some ham-handed acting and plots. But this series so far has surprised me with some intelligence and a lot of promise. I wish Aaron Sorkin was in there with the writing... there is lots of room for the exploration of both the critical role of diplomacy and the inherent hypocrisy. I really enjoy Leoni's interpretation of the role so far. I have my fingers crossed for an evolving series that might fill in some of the gap left by the loss of West Wing. I'm a little apprehensive about the lurking sinister insider plot.. I hope they move more into a exploration of different cultures and both the rich and the treacherous path that is involved in mediating the world's nations.… Expand
  11. Lisa24
    Sep 22, 2014
    10
    Love it! The cast is perfect, the story is is great, and the Washington scenery makes me yearn to visit the city again. I hope that the time of the show doesn't hurt it. 8:00 may be too early and hard to DVR because of the inconsistent lengths of the preceding football games.
  12. MYLOVE
    Dec 10, 2014
    10
    This show is so realistic that I am using some of the data for my own research.
    I am a graduate student on American Military University and this was fascinated.
  13. Unique07
    Oct 14, 2014
    10
    It's Called Entertainment People and I absolutely LOVE Madam Secretary mainly because Tea does an amazing job with her character. I love the shuffle between the family and then the professional life of the characters. I attempted to record all episodes the first day aired but Bright house wouldn't able me. I finally was able to record but not in HD so I settled for basic. I was so happy toIt's Called Entertainment People and I absolutely LOVE Madam Secretary mainly because Tea does an amazing job with her character. I love the shuffle between the family and then the professional life of the characters. I attempted to record all episodes the first day aired but Bright house wouldn't able me. I finally was able to record but not in HD so I settled for basic. I was so happy to catch up on channel 1318 where I have watched each episode 3-4 times....Let the Season Begin! I have a new Favorite… Expand
  14. rbhdjf
    Oct 15, 2014
    10
    Interesting look at political life. Show does a good job showing the challenges of a demanding job and integrating it with family...realistic family issues such as the disillusioned college drop out, snipes between siblings, the job interfering with/influencing family, etc.
  15. SRVFan
    Dec 30, 2015
    9
    This show has definitely earned itself a place in my Sunday night routine, and for a good reason. I rarely watch television, mainly because of the prevalence of filler shows, the preference of quantity over quality, and the complete lack of 'acceptable' shows to watch, however this show is always an entertaining treat to me before the week renews itself. Now I mention this lack ofThis show has definitely earned itself a place in my Sunday night routine, and for a good reason. I rarely watch television, mainly because of the prevalence of filler shows, the preference of quantity over quality, and the complete lack of 'acceptable' shows to watch, however this show is always an entertaining treat to me before the week renews itself. Now I mention this lack of 'acceptable' shows with a strong emphasis on the tendency of these shows to have one or two good characters, the rest played by greatly sub-par actors with frequent almost embarrassing moments. This show not only puts forward a great cast that has proved themselves to be worthy of their positions on this show, but the writing also is much better than I had expected when I began watching. Now I look at the comments written before me and I am baffled. I won't go into details but I suggest we take this show at face value and we admire the great cast and writing they have, ignoring our own bias and the bias the show puts forward, because with the overwhelming gap between liberal and conservative views us members of the audience cant seem to distinguish clashing opinions to one's own from this 'propaganda' that people keep mentioning. This is a great show with a problem. That problem doesn't stem from its own show. It is a result of the modern gap between clashing views and the alienation of contrary beliefs that is becoming more and more frequent. It does have some questionable moments which I didn't really think was good but 95% of the time I was always deeply satisfied by the events that occurred each week. This is the only show I would recommend at this time.… Expand
  16. viewer911
    May 13, 2016
    9
    Excellent character acting by all central characters and intelligent good writing. Loosely based on some actual events along with a healthy serving of flag waving but it's a TV show and if you can get past that, it's well worth watching .
  17. Emma54
    Feb 3, 2017
    10
    I love this show - it's just good fun. Leoni and Daly have great chemistry, and the family interaction adds a nice balance to the political drama. It's also nice to see people trying to act ethically in the complicated world of politics. Yes, it's a little campy, but it's a lot of fun to watch!
  18. MSecisbestonTV
    Dec 2, 2018
    10
    Madame Secretary is best thing on TV! Tea Leoni and Tim Daly together are great to watch, Stories are relevant and involving. Yes, resolution of complicated problems are done in one hour, but feels possible. I love this show and I've watched all 5 seasons so far. They've tackled all kinds of story lines. Keep it up! Intelligent stuff that doesn't sell out to cheap ploys. I hate it when itMadame Secretary is best thing on TV! Tea Leoni and Tim Daly together are great to watch, Stories are relevant and involving. Yes, resolution of complicated problems are done in one hour, but feels possible. I love this show and I've watched all 5 seasons so far. They've tackled all kinds of story lines. Keep it up! Intelligent stuff that doesn't sell out to cheap ploys. I hate it when it is superseded in schedule by lame substitutes. The show deserves much better treatment and placement.… Expand
  19. fredinwhiterock
    Dec 19, 2014
    8
    I was quite skeptical about this program when it was announced and it took a few episodes to get me onboard. Madam Secretary is light-weight entertainment where the heroine always seems to be able to pull a rabbit out of her hat. That said, each episode makes me smile and for that the show deserves an 8.
  20. bradtheman123
    Jan 4, 2015
    7
    This show has a great cast. As well as that it actually has some humor in it which you don't typically see on a show like this. Overall its a good show but the story of what goes on in the episode upsets me sometimes because of the potential and how good this show can actually good.
  21. caroline777
    Apr 14, 2015
    10
    Fantastic show that goes from strength to strength. Great characters I wish Leoni was the real Secretary of State! The world might be a safer place! :)
  22. Tettrabyte
    Oct 22, 2014
    8
    This show is off to a good start. Tea Leoni is very likable and believable as the Secretary of State. The supporting cast is mostly likable and the dynamic of the staff having to buy in is great. I only wish they stretched it out throughout a few episodes. The only thing I wish they would do away with, is the secondary conspiracy plot. I think this is just going to make the show confusingThis show is off to a good start. Tea Leoni is very likable and believable as the Secretary of State. The supporting cast is mostly likable and the dynamic of the staff having to buy in is great. I only wish they stretched it out throughout a few episodes. The only thing I wish they would do away with, is the secondary conspiracy plot. I think this is just going to make the show confusing and make it a poor imitation of Scandal or the Blacklist. I would much rather it be like The West Wing or Commander in Chief.… Expand
  23. Exitor
    Oct 23, 2014
    8
    I enjoy the show but after last episode wonder if it is not in fact a political inside job to help Hillary, as some have rumored. Makes one wonder, as with other programming, if it's not at least an indirect political contribution.
  24. tmob
    Oct 24, 2014
    10
    This is my absolute favorite new show this season. Tea Leoni is brilliant in her portrayal, and I look forward to watching her solve the world's problems each week. She is such a great actress who is admirable, strong and human. I really love the relationship she has with her husband, and that they have with their three kids. Bebe Neuwirth is probably my second favorite character onThis is my absolute favorite new show this season. Tea Leoni is brilliant in her portrayal, and I look forward to watching her solve the world's problems each week. She is such a great actress who is admirable, strong and human. I really love the relationship she has with her husband, and that they have with their three kids. Bebe Neuwirth is probably my second favorite character on the show. It's a great show to watch Sunday nights. Hopefully it will enjoy a long life on TV.… Expand
  25. drmahoney
    Nov 5, 2014
    10
    Been watching this show from the beginning. I enjoy Tea Leoni; she is an excellent actress. I really enjoy the show. It does an excellent job of showing a strong woman in power, who does a great job of managing a stressful job while having a health relationship with a strong husband. The show is well-written. It reminds me of the Good Wife, but then again I love the Good Wife; so it doesBeen watching this show from the beginning. I enjoy Tea Leoni; she is an excellent actress. I really enjoy the show. It does an excellent job of showing a strong woman in power, who does a great job of managing a stressful job while having a health relationship with a strong husband. The show is well-written. It reminds me of the Good Wife, but then again I love the Good Wife; so it does not surprise me that I enjoy this show, too. Well done CBS for bringing quality shows that demonstrate strong women!… Expand
  26. Thebuzz
    Dec 1, 2014
    7
    It's one of the better series...it's needs more improvement, such as that made in such series as Homeland the only halfway descent thought provoking, series I liked out of pay cable...
    If I were in charge of cable I'd trash 90 of the channels put the best on the remaining channels...
    TV is going to fail, not due to bad programs, but natural disasters between now and 2016... Remember I    It's one of the better series...it's needs more improvement, such as that made in such series as Homeland the only halfway descent thought provoking, series I liked out of pay cable...
    If I were in charge of cable I'd trash 90 of the channels put the best on the remaining channels...
    TV is going to fail, not due to bad programs, but natural disasters between now and 2016...
    Remember I told you before it happened and before the news tells you the story..
    No I won't spoil it for you it will take everyone by surprise ... Sell of your stocks in cable, and TV before they drop to zero...The crash is coming like the wind you can't see it but you will feel it coming..    … Expand
  27. tamara220
    Dec 5, 2014
    10
    Although not necessarily consistent with real-life world affairs, this series shows a strong female secretary of state offering new ideas that get accepted by the president. I can forgive the misses around real world stuff to see a strong woman kicking ass in the White House. It works for me.
  28. jzwarycz
    Mar 18, 2015
    10
    I love this show! It has the whole package. Awesome cast! It's something new and interesting and not another cop show! Tea' Leoni is very good. It certainly has people thinking about the issues of the world.
  29. jcreighton
    Apr 27, 2015
    9
    The compelling plots, the amazing actors... The only thing I don't like about this show is the fact that it's very "America-centric". As a Canadian, I would have appreciated a different spin on us in the episode "Blame Canada".
  30. cinequnon
    Sep 8, 2015
    7
    Well acted, great dialogue, polished show that in spite of knowing better, managed to engage me through the end. Shows how really nice people in power still do very nasty and questionable things. It bothered me that Elizabeth McCord, Madam Secretary, has no flaws, absolutely natural and funny and smart and sharp and moral with just enough compromise of ethics to make her 'believable.' ButWell acted, great dialogue, polished show that in spite of knowing better, managed to engage me through the end. Shows how really nice people in power still do very nasty and questionable things. It bothered me that Elizabeth McCord, Madam Secretary, has no flaws, absolutely natural and funny and smart and sharp and moral with just enough compromise of ethics to make her 'believable.' But does one put the word, 'believable' in quotes? You can't help but love her, love her gorgeous husband, her kids. It's the Donna Reid show of espionage.… Expand
  31. tinkim
    Feb 26, 2019
    10
    This show is fantastic. I've watched the entire series 3 times on Netflix. PLEASE continue it for season 6.

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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