Madam Secretary

2014 • CBS
4.7
1.91K reviews
TV-14
Rating
Eligible
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Season 3 episodes (24)

1 Sea Change
10/2/16
When a storm destroys a naval base in Bahrain, Elizabeth urges President Dalton to reexamine his approach to climate change and his overall foreign policy, something that could jeopardize his re-election campaign. Also, Jose Campos tries to bring Henry back into the DIA fold, and the McCords worry that their family is being stalked when they discover Jason's laptop may have been hacked. Executive Producer Morgan Freeman directs the episode and guest stars as Chief Justice Wilbourne. CBS News' Jane Pauley returns to guest star as herself.
2 The Linchpin
10/16/16
With Algeria on the brink of a civil war, Elizabeth delicately negotiates a regime change, but her plans go awry when Roy Curtis, the trusted U.S. Ambassador to Algeria, dies unexpectedly. Also, Henry fights to save religious antiquities in Algeria when he discovers they are being destroyed by Hizb al-Shahid, and the McCord children get their own security detail after Jason's computer is hacked. Michael Boatman guest stars.
3 South China Sea
10/24/16
After U.S. environmental activists protesting China's damage of a South China Sea reef are arrested for spying, Elizabeth finds herself in a stalemate with the Chinese foreign minister as she lobbies for their release. Also, Henry pushes the FBI to investigate one of Elizabeth's former students who he suspects is his family's cyber-stalker, and President Dalton's trade visit to Vietnam brings back memories of serving there during the war.
4 The Dissent Memo
10/30/16
After a bombing at a political rally in Angola, Elizabeth must find a way to respond to a "dissent memo" from the Bureau of African Affairs when they criticize the Dalton Administration's lack of attention to the upcoming Angolan election. Also, Russell enlists Elizabeth's help to get President Dalton on the ballot in Ohio, and Henry and Jose get closer to locating the antiquities stolen by Hizb al-Shahid. Tonya Pinkins guest stars as Susan Thompson, assistant secretary for the Bureau of African Affairs, and CBS Sports host of "The NFL Today" and "Thursday Night Football" James Brown appears as himself.
5 The French Revolution
11/6/16
When an imminent U.S.-France state dinner is jeopardized after a CIA operative is captured by French intelligence, Elizabeth must negotiate the operative's release while keeping the event on track. Also, Russell tries to woo back big donors to Dalton's campaign, and the McCords get an important lead in their family's stalking case.
6 The Statement
11/12/16
When Elizabeth discovers that a terrorist bombing at an Illinois coffee shop was funded by someone with close ties to the Saudi government, she makes a bold move after the Saudi ambassador refuses to bring the man to justice. Also, Matt refuses to issue a statement when news breaks that he and the bomber are linked to the same mosque, and Henry reaches out to Dmitri when he hears he's having trouble adjusting to his new life in Phoenix. Chris Petrovski reprises his guest role as Dmitri Petrov.
7 Tectonic Shift
11/20/16
After Venezuela's president and his immediate successors are killed in a devastating earthquake, Elizabeth works to stop a power grab by the late president's son, as well as secure the release of the international aid team he arrested. Also, Elizabeth's brother, Will (Eric Stoltz), is torn between saving his marriage by settling down and taking a job at Walter Reed Medical Center or going to Venezuela to assist in the relief effort.
8 Breakout Capacity
11/27/16
As President Dalton eagerly awaits voting results on Election Day, Elizabeth uncovers information that could put the U.S.'s peace deal with Iran in jeopardy. Also, election night proves to be one filled with possible romance for some of McCord's staffers, and Jason challenges his parents by supporting one of Dalton's presidential competitors. Sam Daly returns to guest star as lobbyist Win Barrington, Daisy's ex-fiance.
9 Snap Back
12/11/16
As the U.N. Security Council considers reinstating sanctions against Iran for its suspected nuclear activities, Elizabeth tries to stop Israel from taking matters into its own hands when it threatens military action against the Iranians. Also, Russell pressures Henry to woo his old Air Force buddy, Congressman Jeff Pearson (Michael Cerveris), to support President Dalton in the House's election vote, and Stevie asks Russell for a recommendation to Harvard Law School.
10 The Race
12/18/16
When a possible Israel-Iran war threatens the House's imminent vote on the U.S. presidential election, Elizabeth attempts to bring the two reluctant countries to the negotiation table in an effort to broker a peace between them. Also, Russell's life hangs in the balance after a heart attack. Emelyn Daly returns to guest star as Henry's niece, Sarah.
11 Gift Horse
1/8/17
When the Mongolian government sends Elizabeth a horse as a gift, she thinks accepting it could upset other Asian countries, but she stirs up more controversy when she considers returning it to Mongolia. Also, Gov. Sam Evans threatens to sue Ohio for putting President Dalton on the election ballot, and Stevie has an interesting first day as Russell's new intern.
12 The Detour
1/15/17
When Elizabeth and her staff fly to Africa to offer development aid to the continent, they are caught by surprise when the Chinese arrive there first, ready to outmaneuver the U.S. with competing offers of aid. Also, when turbulence on their plane ride to Africa leaves Daisy unnerved, she and Susan Thompson (Tonya Pinkins) go on a welcome tour of Africa, admiring the beauty of the continent. And, the FBI asks Henry to help investigate a Christian cult member who may have helped build the bomb used in the Illinois coffee shop attack.
13 The Beautiful Game
1/29/17
When an influential rabbi organizing a symbolic Iran/Israel soccer game is killed, Elizabeth and Jay's peace treaty plans for the two countries are jeopardized. Also, Elizabeth's name is floated for a Nobel Peace Prize; Jay's tireless work on the Iran/Israel peace deal strains his marriage; and Daisy makes a connection with new work colleague, Kevin Park (Justin Baldoni). Dana Ivey guest stars as Nobel Prize influencer Nelly Conlon.
14 Labor of Love
3/5/17
When the upcoming marriage of two star-crossed lovers from Colombia is in jeopardy, Elizabeth works to reunite the son of the Colombian president and the daughter of the rebel leader, whose union is at the heart of an important peace deal after years of civil war. Also, Henry prepares to send his operative undercover, Jay deals with his tenuous marital situation, and Daisy makes a shocking discovery regarding Kevin.
15 Break in Diplomacy
3/12/17
Elizabeth is shocked when the Philippines' unconventional new president, Datu Andrada (Joel de la Fuente), makes a pass at her during their meeting to discuss his refusal to participate in an Asia-Pacific territory treaty. Also, Elizabeth asks Jay to look into Kevin Park's CIA connections, and Henry fears for his operative who is embedded in the religious cult when he goes radio silent.
16 Swept Away
3/19/17
Elizabeth's landmark global climate treaty with more than 200 countries is jeopardized when China threatens to back out due to her meeting with an ailing Dalai Lama. Also, Henry worries about his undercover operative's safety, and Jay is surprised when Abby serves him with a custody agreement for their daughter.
17 Convergence
3/26/17
When a computer sting uncovers the possible mole in the CIA arms smuggling ring, Elizabeth's questioning of the suspect makes her think that a larger, more dangerous force is behind the operation. Also, Henry worries that the doomsday cult is drugging his embedded operative, and Elizabeth and her State Department staff come up with an unorthodox approach to solving black rhino poaching in Namibia. Enrico Colantoni guest stars.
18 Good Bones
4/9/17
Elizabeth enlists the help of Hollywood star Ashley Whittaker (Julia Nicole Schlaepfer) to help sway the president of Kyrgyzstan to end human trafficking in his country, but the added attention could put an American captive at risk. Also, when Henry finds the bomb that's being held by the doomsday cult, he uncovers information that they could be planning a deadlier attack. Cady Huffman guest stars.
19 Global Relief
4/23/17
When warring rebel groups threaten Elizabeth's Somalian food relief efforts and kidnap an American aide there, she reluctantly considers asking a notorious Russian arms dealer for help. Also, Henry is blindsided when he is taken off the VFF doomsday cult case, and Alison and Stevie await their college acceptances. John Cullum guest stars.
20 Extraordinary Hazard
5/1/17
As the U.S. hunts for the person believed to be behind the CIA arms smuggling case, Elizabeth and her team must work to save Jay when he's kidnapped in Nice, France, during a fact-finding mission into the suspect. Also, Henry suspects the doomsday cult is planning an attack in Israel, and Jason dupes his parents into giving him money for an expensive calculator when he's really using it to impress a girl.
21 The Seventh Floor
5/7/17
Elizabeth and her team work to secure the release of an American journalist held hostage in the Sudan. Skipp Sudduth guest stars.
22 Revelation
5/14/17
As Elizabeth and President Dalton head to Rome for the G20 Conference, she is concerned for Henry's safety when he is sent to Israel to intercept the doomsday cult's bio-weapon before it is deployed. Also, Blake reveals a personal secret to Elizabeth, and Elizabeth goes behind Stevie's back to ask Russell to get her off Harvard Law School’s waiting list.
23 Article 5
5/21/17
Elizabeth heads to Brussels to seek NATO's support against Russia when it threatens to invade Bulgaria, but when France refuses to cooperate, it could threaten the alliance's very existence. Also, Henry's new government role has him dive into the Russia issue and turn to his former operative, Dmitri Petrov (Chris Petrovski) for help, and as Nadine and Mike B's relationship heats up, Elizabeth finds out information about her old friend that makes her question his loyalties.
101 Top Moments of Season 2
8/22/16
Relive some of the best moments from the past season of Madam Secretary.

About this show

Tea Leoni stars as Elizabeth McCord, the shrewd, determined, newly appointed Secretary of State who drives international diplomacy, battles office politics and circumvents protocol as she negotiates global and domestic issues, both at the White House and at home. A college professor and a brilliant former CIA analyst who left for ethical reasons, Elizabeth returns to public life at the request of the President following the suspicious death of her predecessor. The President values her apolitical leanings, her deep knowledge of the Middle East, her flair for languages and her ability to not just think outside the box, but to not even acknowledge there is a box. McCord's team includes her Chief of Staff Nadine Tolliver, speechwriter Matt Mahoney, press coordinator Daisy Grant and her charming assistant Blake Moran. When McCord debates third world problems, finesses foreign dignitaries at work and does battle with the President's combative Chief of Staff Russell Jackson, it's just a warm-up for when she goes home to her supportive husband, Henry, and their bright children, where "politics" and "compromise" take on new meaning.

***Season Pass available now. Episode 1 available 10/8***

Ratings and reviews

4.7
1.91K reviews
Lisa Dryman-Rice
January 8, 2018
I have binge-watched this series in the last month and a half. It is compelling, well-acted, well-written, well-directed and watching it is time well spent.. I am invested in these characters who are so delightfully and frighteningly human. Elizabeth is not Hillary; she is a fictional creation with many admirable traits and some frailties (which can also be said of HRC). The actors never step out of character, which is part of my reason for wanting to see out what will happen next. "Madam Secretary" has something to appeal to a wide range of viewers: it is not anti-military nor is overly gung ho. Women are seen as agents of change in positions of power. The experiences of millennials are put in perspective rather than being normalized. Gender equality and diversity are very much at home here. Thankfully, the cast is not lily white. The family is quite lovable--normal tensions are present but so are commitment and respect. The characters grow over the course of this show's run. Bravo!
56 people found this review helpful
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Anna
November 29, 2017
Madame Secretary models integrity, honesty, down to earth sincerity, out of the box thinking, and the best in building and maintaining international relations... dialogue and open mindedness, working toward solutions that bring out the best in all sides, before considering or utilizing force, threats or violence. She provides a great role model for girls today, and sets the standard for the "ideal" govt representative of the people. Excellent story writing and stellar performances.
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Stabby Gray
December 7, 2015
First, this is NOT about Hillary. The show has actually gone out of it's way to pick on and criticize each representative and power figure from recent years on an individual basis. Regardless of gender. Very select individuals reviewing this (an overwhelming majority are male) seem to be unable to think past blond women being able to vote, much less be diplomats. Leoni shames the men and the women of Washington DC with an unrealistic but beautiful portrayal of what we wish were true.
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