Madam Secretary season 4 adds Grey’s Anatomy alum Sara Ramirez

Madam Secretary season 4 just had a key subtraction in Bebe Neuwirth as Nadine Tolliver; with Sara Ramirez, they now have a big addition.

CBS announced on Tuesday that the former Grey’s Anatomy alum is signing on as a series regular, with this being her first full-time network TV gig since departing the ABC drama. Her character is “a brilliant political strategist” by the name of Kat Sandoval, “legendary in D.C. for her talent and for abruptly dropping out of politics until Elizabeth manages to coax her back into the State Department.” This sounds absolutely like a meaty role, and one worthy of Ramirez’s talents. It also sounds like a nice change-up after playing Dr. Callie Torres for so many years — this gig should also confirm to many Madam Secretary fans out there that Elizabeth won’t have a huge vacancy within her department for a long time following Nadine’s departure.

Ramirez will make her Madam Secretary debut for the episode airing on Sunday, November 19. There are a few stories that will air between now and then.

In a statement, show executive producer Barbara Hall had the following to say about the addition:

“We’re very excited that Sara is joining the cast … She brings a fresh perspective and a fun, energetic quality to the State Department staff.”

What’s excellent about this gig for Madam Secretary is that the show is getting a popular, known TV name in the cast at a time when it could use a ratings boost. While it is outperforming to date Elementary, which aired in its Sunday timeslot last year, it is one of CBS’ lowest-rated primetime scripted shows. Grey’s Anatomy has a loyal following and we do like to think that there are some viewers out there who would love to see what Ramirez brings to the table here. We know that for us at CarterMatt it’s a great reason for excitement given how excellent of a performer Ramirez is.

Now one of the other big challenges that remains for Madam Secretary is for Elizabeth McCord and the rest of the characters to simply make it to this point! After all, remember that the fourth season of the show featured not only Neuwirth’s exit, but also a government shutdown. Sunday’s new episode is going to offer up a little more insight into what’s coming up there, plus a significant health crisis to go along with it. (You can read a little more on the subject of that by heading over to the link here.)

What do you think about Sara Ramirez joining Madam Secretary season 4?

Sound off now in the attached comments! Meanwhile, be sure to click here to read a little more about what Neuwirth had to say about her exit; you can also like us on Facebook to get some more news on Madam Secretary and some other shows we cover at CarterMatt. (Photo: CBS.)