Watch Madam Secretary: Cast and Creators at PALEYLIVE NY

Madam Secretary is a political thriller series that has been captivating audiences since its premiere in 2014. The show follows the life of Elizabeth McCord, portrayed by Tea Leoni, who is a former CIA analyst turned professor before being recruited to become the U.S. Secretary of State. McCord is tasked with navigating the complicated world of international diplomacy, while balancing her personal life as a wife and mother.

At the Paley Center for Media's PALEYLIVE NY event, the cast and creators of Madam Secretary gathered to discuss the show, its themes, and what it means to be a part of such a unique and impactful series. The panel was moderated by Ari Melber, who led the conversation between the show's executive producers Barbara Hall and Lori McCreary, as well as cast members Leoni and Tim Daly.

The discussion began with a brief introduction of the show, which has been praised for its intelligent writing and the strong performances of its cast. The panelists were quick to point out that the show's focus on global politics and the daily lives of government officials was unique, and therefore, required a great deal of research and attention to detail.

Leoni, who plays Elizabeth McCord, explained that the character's trajectory from academic to secretary of state presented unique challenges for her as an actress. She also noted that the show tackled a number of important issues, including climate change, terrorism, and human rights, and that it was important for her to be able to portray these issues in a way that resonated with audiences.

Daly, who plays McCord's husband Henry, praised the show's ability to balance these deeper themes with moments of humor and lightness, noting that the complexity of the world portrayed in the show could sometimes be overwhelming for viewers.

The panelists also discussed the current state of American politics and how the show had been influenced by recent events. Hall noted that Madam Secretary has always strived to reflect the real world, which sometimes means addressing difficult topics that are inherently political in nature.

McCreary echoed these sentiments, adding that the show has always aimed to remain neutral and balanced in its portrayal of both American politics and foreign affairs. She noted that while the show could sometimes delve into the controversial, it was always done in a thoughtful and respectful way.

One of the most interesting discussions of the panel centered around the show's use of female characters, both in front of and behind the camera. Leoni talked about the importance of having strong female characters in positions of power, noting that the show had always been committed to representing women in politics in a realistic and nuanced way.

Hall added that the show had made a conscious effort to hire more women in creative positions, including writers, producers, and directors. She noted that this had helped to shape the show's outlook on issues related to gender and that it had created a more inclusive and dynamic working environment.

As the conversation drew to a close, the panelists were asked to reflect on their time working on the show and what they hoped audiences would take away from it. All of them spoke about the show's ability to inspire people, to make them think more deeply about the world around them, and to foster a greater sense of empathy and understanding.

Leoni summed up the show's message best when she said, "We can all work to make this world a better place, even in small ways. And that even if you don't have a fancy title, you can still do your part." It was a fitting tribute to a show that has not only entertained audiences, but has challenged them as well.