When Madam Secretary - Season 1 aired, critics were initially skeptical. The New York Times called it "earnest but dry," while Variety praised Leoni's "commanding vulnerability." However, audiences disagreed with the critics. The show consistently won its time slot, appealing to an older demographic tired of cynical anti-heroes.

Select episode highlights from the latter half of the season include:

She steps into a role fraught with immediate challenges. Her predecessor's former chief of staff, the formidable Nadine Tolliver, is not pleased to be working for an outsider, especially one who was her former boss's mistress. The President's own Chief of Staff, Russell Jackson, views her as an idealistic wildcard who will create political headaches. Most pressingly, Elizabeth is almost immediately thrust into a crisis when two American college students are captured in a hostile Syria. This baptism by fire sets the tone for the entire season: Elizabeth will have to navigate the unforgiving waters of Washington politics, circumvent outdated protocol, and solve global crises, all while managing a complex family life at home.

Elizabeth’s supportive husband, an ethics professor, and occasional consultant for the NSA/CIA.

The first season holds a 79% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Viewers loved the "hopeful escapism." In an era of House of Cards and Scandal , where corruption was glorified, Madam Secretary offered a vision of government that actually works.

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