Ratings: ‘Secrets and Lies’ finale ratings help season 2 odds; ‘Madam Secretary,’ ‘Good Wife’ low

Let’s talk a little bit about ratings and irony. While “Secrets and Lies” has not been officially renewed yet for a second season, its finale ratings are such that make it clear that it should be. However, “Madam Secretary” has been renewed despite a low rating of 1.0 in the 18-49 demographic, and “The Good Wife” will be despite its series low of 0.9 following the exit of Kalinda from the series.

Even before the finale, we thought that the primetime mystery / soap was going to have a great shot at returning, given that it set its series high last week in the 18-49 demographic. The fact that it matched it last night with a 1.7 is impressive, as is the fact that they created an ending in such a way that most of the regulars can return for a second season without things being too unrealistic. Oh, and did we mention that the show equaled the rating of “Once Upon a Time”?

The only challenge for this show going into a second season is going to be making sure that it keeps momentum going beyond the initial arc. What “Resurrection” struggled with after it found success in this same timeslot last year was sustaining a story that made sense. It tried to hard to get complicated, and thanks to that the story sagged. There was a time when it was drawing ratings that were far and away better than anything ABC had on the night.

We should learn about the decision for “Secrets and Lies” (not to mention many other shows) at the ABC upfront presentation later this month. Stay tuned!

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