I would seriously doubt a show like this with a lead male character would have a synopsis essentially refer to 'work life balance', automatically putting it in the 'career mom struggle' basket. Bess (Madam Secretary), is an extremely well written, complex, political character who happens to wear a skirt sometimes. I really hope people do not dismiss the show without giving it a chance. Yes, it does explore both sides of political life, the professional and the personal, but that kind of exploration makes for layered plot development, and is not gender specific. It may at some stage get irritating the way the State Office consistently seems to be able to achieve positive outcomes to complex global issues in one handy episode, but for now it's just satisfying. And welcome back Tea Leoni, wow!
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merylmck16 November 2014
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brenda_grant25 September 2014I don't understand why people are giving poor reviews, maybe they have only viewed the pilot. They could have expanded more, but people should not be so quick to leave a review after only seeing 60 minutes of a season series. So far I have only viewed the pilot and the first episode, but I am anticipating it will get high reviews. Anyone who enjoys watching the TV series Scandal, should enjoy this series as well. Scandal is quite violent and into shock value. To compare the two shows I find the writing far superior. Tea Leoni was an excellent choice. She is a wonderful actor and I have enjoyed all her movies. She can make you feel the emotions of the script every time.
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Kaliani24 September 2014Being from Europe and not really interested in the details of US politics, I watched the show simply as entertainment and did not take it too seriously. Too bad some people take it as propaganda, it's only a TV show...
I liked the pilot and it left a lot of room for character and storyline development.
Seeing as there are far worst shows out there, I'm willing to give this one a chance and hope to be positively surprised.
Also, I've been waiting for Téa Leoni to be back on TV and really enjoyed watching her in a role that is perfect for her. -
sidneyseavers17 November 2022This show is just so good. There is clearly a budget as there are some great actors, often filming out of country (granted a lot is staged but not all of it), tons of extras when cities are shut down or mass emergency. Also there is so much action that normally I'd say it's too much or not plausible but the foundation of the story is so well laid that the pieces are all there. Nothing seems to be forced but sometimes it moves so fast I'm like what is happening. I've always been a fan of Téa Leoni and this show beyond solidifies that. After staying in the same hotel as Biden and seeing our federal agents in action in real life my family was left in awe it was the highlight of our trip. They run deep with people of expertise everyone looks and acts smart and are about their wits you just sense it. This show really conveys that exact same energy as real life (albeit this is a drama I'm not dumb haha). With that being said I'd highly recommend this series as something being well written well made and a series apart of the rest.
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simonsmith122 July 2017This is not weighty, or particularly politically sophisticated, but for a feel good (normally), well made, well scripted series it's good enough to look forward to each week, like meeting up with a friend. The characters in the program are particularly enjoyable and for that alone it's worth at least a try.
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lindashadowland19 November 2018I was reading through the reviews hoping to see some commentary on Elizabeth running for President. Instead I was surprised to see people complaining that the show is becoming too biased politically. This show was always written with a Democratic tone and the concept itself was based on Hillary Clinton. I think if you've been watching and enjoying this wonderful show, but were put off by say, Hillary Clinton making a guest appearance, perhaps you should reconsider boycotting the show. It's the same show with the same liberal themes/outlook it has always had. If you enjoyed it before you identified a liberal leaning plot, nothing has changed. Just for the sake of it, I happen to be an Independent.
This is one of the best acted, best written shows on network television. It would be a shame to stop watching it because a plot or two didn't jive with every political belief you have. -
kodenkan20 March 2015This is a great new show that highlights Tea's and Tim's acting chops. I'm glad to see casting chose the talented versus gorgeous actor route and graced them with intelligent crisp dialogue. I'm a guy and it's nice to see a middle aged woman get a leading role.
The geopolitics and inner politics are a bit reminiscent of "West Wing" although the ensemble doesn't have the synergy of WW's first two seasons, and the cast doesn't play off each other quite as well.
Unfortunately, most of the reviews I've read thus far reveal that the public sees this show as an unpaid ad vehicle to Secty Clinton - I disagree - so tragically, it may not last long.
I agree with a previous reviewer who asserted that the eldest daughter is obnoxious. She's probably written true to life: she'd likely be spoiled and entitled having grown up upper middle class in today's society with her privileges. And she'd probably be saddled with sophomoritis since she's a 20 year old articulate woman who's a freshman dropout.
I also have to marvel at the negotiating/conflict resolution skill of the writers as voiced by the parents. Several times I've had to stop the program and sit at the TV in amazement at how deftly these parents dealt with a child's misbehaving or explanations of tragedies. And Tea's character displays the same art in her political maneuvering. Wow! I wish I could diffuse arguments that artfully. Or had been graced with parents who had an iota of their skill.
Bottom line: this show deserves to be renewed. -
This is the fictional story of an ex-CIA analyst who now is a professor in a University and a wife and a mother of 3 teenagers. One day, her mentor in the agency, who now happens to be the president of the U.S. offers her (insisted more like it) the position of the secretary of state.
In the pilot episode we see her dealing with her first big crisis, 2 months after her appointment as the secretary.
The whole presentation of the show is soft and painless. Her 4-5 assistants add some comedy elements to the not-so-dramatic atmosphere while she is dealing with the crisis and at her home everything works like a clock with her clever kids and the supportive husband.
The star Tea Leoni (who serves also as a producer for the series, and it shows because of the favorable way her character is scripted) is doing her best, I guess, but it's hard not notice the results of some cosmetic surgery or botox, that make her face far less expressive than it should be.
I read some comments that compare this with the ...multiple award winning series The West Wing! Sorry no comparison at all. This is a mild political drama with (I'm afraid so) a very fragile future. -
pplluk30 September 2014For me as an European I watched this show, as many other on the same subject, as an entertainment and not as an intellectual and purist page of pure politic..... Comparing Tea Leoni's character with Hillary Clinton is just BS, in my humble opinion as a foreigner, Tea is in every way a lot better, no comparison, if only the US will have a woman like this show is portraying, I'll bet she would be the next President... unfortunately it doesn't. I can understand if you are a politician or in any way work in the system, well, probably you'd be disappointed with the terminology and accuracy of the script. I would say this is a show not for you or for any social aggressive, intolerant or cynic, anti-religious, racist or plain and simple ignorant. I enjoyed the scenery, music, costumes, and above all a fresh cast: powerful and with very good acting. The script is articulate, intelligent with good references and subtext. There are some clichés why not? They give it a more real approach; we do have them all around us. That it has some religious context, why not? Is not your religion? Or you're an atheist, or you consider yourself above all religion believes?! Good for you! And so on and so forth. If you don't agree or like something, just ignore it or be active and ask yourself why is it there? Perhaps there is a reason, even if the reason is no reason at all and it was just a nonsensical thing... :- ) Sit back and enjoy the show, if you don't like it, you know what to do, just switch to another one, or read a good book or spend some time doing what you love. Don't punish yourself watching something you don't like just to go ahead and spread your anger for everyone to see as if the rest of the world would have to listen and follow!!!. I hope I'll be entertained with this show if not I'll change and search for another one. Making comparisons is not bad but trying to compare everything!!! I just think you lose perspective... and is bad for your health.... Be positive and constructive, there is enough violence and intolerance in the world, let's try and be proactive and contribute for a better and fairer society... it begins in each and every one no matter your colour, religious believes or social status... BE HAPPY!! Contributing in a positive way...
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ian_maddog799 March 2020A series I enjoyed right from the start, good storylines, great cast, however the show should have ended after the 5th season with MSec announcing her bid for the Presidency. The last season seemed laboured and missed characters that had been ever present throughout as well as not so subtlety touching on real politics and current affairs. Last thing I want to mention is how fantastic Zeljko Ivanek (aka Russell Jackson) was throughout the tenure of the show.
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russell56562 October 2014I have just watched the first episode (pilot).
As a piece of fiction it is fine. And that should be the way anyone views this program. As fiction, as a piece of entertainment. It deserves no more credibility than watching Superman then believing a man with super powers can fly around the world to fight crime.
It is clearly not a record of Hilary Clinton's rise through US politics. No more than President Bartlett in West Wing was the story of Bill Clinton's journey as President.
Give the series a chance to develop along with the characters and plots. If it fails to attract the viewers / ratings then the people have spoken it will soon be taken from our screens replaced with something potentially worse.
Enjoy it for what it is, a story not a documentary.
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sparxxu12 November 2014Of all the new shows this season I decided to give Madam Secretary a shot as I have always liked Téa Leoni as an actor.
I watch a lot of television (propably too much). That being said Madam Secretary now ranks of one of my favorites.
Well scripted and well acted. This is not based on fact, it is television and should be taken for what it is; fiction. If you want reality watch the news.
I don't understand why some people are willing to judge a show by the first episode and not continue to give it a chance. It would be like judging a book by it's cover.
I look forward to watching this series and hope it has a long run. -
shakti13924 December 2020This has been a really great political drama for first couple of seasons. The acting and the story telling has been top notch. The suspense and the pay off both has been satisfactory till season 4. But with everything in the Hollywood this is also started leaning towards far left. The charm of an apolitical drama on the TV has been missing for last 2 meeting
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phd_travel4 December 2014Compared to other female lead political dramas, this is more believable than 'State of Affairs' with Katherine Heigl and less heavy handed than 'Commander in Chief' with Geena Davis. I like the intelligent look Tea Leoni has. She is slightly too attractive but nevertheless very watchable Secretary of State and ex CIA agent. Her kids are a little annoying especially the eldest daughter. Her husband played by Tim Daly is also some undercover NSA agent. Current headline areas of international diplomatic conflict are incorporated into the episodes. The flaw is in some of the writing. She seems to be able to solve major problems independently of the President. Also there is a slightly patronizing tone. Diplomats from other countries are portrayed as rather pig headed and unreasonable and she is shown to be the voice of reason. Maybe showing her being on the wrong side in the international arena occasionally would make it more rounded and less of a fairy tale.
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Being an IR buff, I loved this series. The storytelling, is beautiful as it balances personal and professional lives of a politically active couple. The family is funny and quirky and it's beautiful. It's almost a fairy tale. Then the international relations, it does glorify the American greatness and the stereotypes we have seen before, but does manage to be engaging and interesting. I would suggest you to watch it for the family. It's wonderful!
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I wish they made more shows like this. Was sad to see an end. Still watch and it will remain a favorite. The first crew was the best. Thought Bebe in the mix was headliner. Tea and Tim made the marriage on tv we admire. Thank you for giving a respectful portrayal of our world and how we wish it could be.
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aselmani29 September 2014Well, I come from Europe and studied politics and I really don't get why people link this series with the life of Hillary Clinton or any other secretary from before – cannot it no be a simple fiction rather than a necessary mirror of someone's life?
I watched the pilot and found a well scripted show with good actors and overall good mood and pleasant for watching but only if you do it as entertainment (which it should be) and make absurd connection to the real lives of the staff.
Tea Leoni is tailor made for this role while Ivanek and the rest are also not unknowns and rather familiars in such roles. Overall the cast is excellent, including the Secretary's 'anarchist' boy who makes very pleasant dialogues and enriches the show.
The pilot was more than a decent opening to what appears to be a promising TV show.
I am sure as episodes move forward more the show will become even better because the audience deserves a show of this genre ongoing. -
chiefwaller7 July 2016I don't write reviews very often. More and more I find myself being enthralled by shows that appeal to my better angels. As opposed to shows that appeal to the lowest common denominator, degrading, profane, glamorizing immorality, etc. Madam Secretary, is an excellent example of what can be right with television. It makes me want to be a better person on many levels. There are characters who are worth emulating, dialogue worthy of memory and quoting. It is witty, charming, and challenging. There is a real attempt to show consequence for actions both good and evil. Is it realistic? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It is not only interesting and entertaining, it is a sophisticated morality tale.
Again, I want to reiterate: I am a better person for watching Madam Secretary. -
atlasmb29 September 2014After watching the first two episodes, I find this show to be interesting and entertaining. Its major asset is Tea Leoni, though it has a powerhouse cast.
Leoni plays a college professor who becomes Secretary of State when the President, who is a friend, asks her to. She has a CIA background, which gives her more inside knowledge of affairs of state.
As the summary says, she tries to balance the demands of her job with the demands of her family. More than that, she--as someone who is not a career politician--tries to negotiate the gauntlet of power in a world where almost everyone is a type A personality. And she has to recognize the demands that the job places on her family.
In the first two episodes, she has to deal with international crises. The White House PR machine wants to act whichever way will garner the best headlines. Madam Secretary tends to see the human side of things first, setting her up for confrontations with the established power elite.
In various ways, this show is reminiscent of many others. If the writing can remain fresh, it should prosper. None of those other shows had Tea Leoni.
Updated 11/24/14: More recent episodes have shown that the series is not afraid to address some tough questions about ethics. I am upgrading my grade to an 8.
Updated 2/15/17: While the earlier episodes of the show displayed political balance, later episodes inject politically liberal rhetoric that has nothing to do with the stories. -
dissevelt11 August 2021Well written, well acted and always very enjoyable to watch! Téa Leoni is completely believable in her role as SoS, as are the other characters is the series. The topical plots and many interesting twists and turns in every episode made Madam Secretary something to look forward to every week. I very much hope we will be treated to a sequel - ' Madam President' ! - shortly, preferably with exactly the same great cast !
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adilegaltranslations14 March 2020The writing of this show is a bit awful. Very slick and patronising. The Americans are portrayed as some voice of reason and everyone else are portrayed as ugly and stupid. I am not even exaggerating. It is so full of cliches it makes me laugh! When I saw Madam's (annoying!) daughter with the Brit guy, I could not relax my laughter. Hear this, her struggle with British culture revolved around TEA! They pour milk first! And the weather! OMG! the writers of the show literally googled England cliches because they know nothing about England. And Israel, Russia, you name it, so full of cliches it makes me roll my eyes. Thankfully, Tea L is a great actress and she carries the show beautifully.
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nancyldraper23 April 2019This is just the best of what TV can be. Full disclosure, I'm Canadian and not a big fan of the political system or climate of US politics, but this series raises an ideal both personal and political that is inspiring. Beyond that the acting is top notch, the chemistry between principals and between the whole cast is infectious. The writing is intelligent and the scope of situations is exhaustive. From the first season, this series has been on my "Top TV Series" list and I have looked forward to each episode as it broadcasts. I whole heartedly give this series a 10 (excellent) out of 10. {Drama}
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dinaambroci21 October 2015I have been watched regularly the TV show as I was interested how will evolve the plot of this story.I like that a woman is centered in all this political story and she is playing really good.She dedicates a hard time and effort for every decision she made and I believe her. She is a good actress, but you really have some issues and big problems with all scenes regarding a true reflection of Eastern Europe Diplomacy. You really need a consultant on these matter that would try to help you to inform somehow people in a proper way about all that situation that you are trying to describe in this TV show. You tent to exaggerate a lot and to create a wrong image of the habits and common law in these countries.Also try to select better that actors that speaks a foreign language, their Russian for example is too bad to make me believe that he/she really is a Russian minister or ambassador or president's wife. Maria's speech was awful, and her final scene from the episode was catastrophic! Guys, really, if you are doing something, try better or do not do at all. I really want to stay with you but it depends on your work!!!!
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jacmat-592059 October 2018Used to be a good show somewhere until the third season when propaganda kicked in. I quit after watching first episode of season 5.
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Sarah42322 February 2022I'm through season five and coming down the final stretch on a 2022 binge of this show. And I wonder if watching it weekly when produced would have been a different experience?
Oddly prescient. Both familiar and yet sadly not a reflection of how people cracked under the pressure of similar current events.
The acting is wonderful and lets viewers welcome the characters into our hearts. The dialogue isn't as "snappy" as the West Wing--a show centered more on the Oval. But it feels authentic and compelling enough.
Quality videography and editing. Decent score.