The Best Episodes of Madam Secretary

Elizabeth faces a national security crisis when a military conflict in international waters spirals to the brink of nuclear confrontation. Also, with the imminent threat of impeachment looming over the McCord administration, Elizabeth and Henry make a wish-list of things to do while she’s still in office.

Director: Félix Enríquez Alcalá

Writer: David Grae

President Elizabeth McCord kicks off a new landmark political initiative with help from members of the World Cup Champion U.S. Women’s Soccer team. Also, the McCords overcome last-minute obstacles to pull off a spectacular family celebration.

Director: Eric Stoltz

Writer: Barbara Hall

Elizabeth secretly travels to Iran in an attempt to prevent a coup that could impact President Dalton’s administration. Also, she brings her staff up to speed on the investigation into Marsh’s death.

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Elizabeth and cabinet members brace for the fallout at home and abroad as President Dalton prepares for a retaliatory nuclear attack on a country that has reportedly just launched missiles bound for the U.S.

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The President’s plane is declared missing and Elizabeth is thrust into a situation of power she never imagined possible. Also, Henry butts heads with his new Defense Intelligence Agency handler, Jane Fellows, when he’s asked to recruit one of his Russian students for the NSA.

Director: Morgan Freeman

Writer: Barbara Hall

When Elizabeth receives shocking news about an important political operative, she navigates a tricky political situation with President Dalton, who she learns may be considering replacing her as Secretary of State. Also, Stevie and Jareth get engaged.

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Elizabeth, Henry and Isabelle investigate a plane crash that killed former Secretary of State Vincent Marsh. Nadine reenters the dating scene after she agrees to go on a date with a NASA scientist.

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As tensions rise with Russia, Elizabeth, Russell and Mike B. hatch a plan to oust National Security Advisor Craig Sterling without tarnishing President Dalton with a scandal. Director of National Intelligence Ephraim Ware identifies who hacked Air Force One.

Director: Dennie Gordon

Writer: N/A

Shortly before Elizabeth is to deliver a speech at the United Nations accusing Russia for the attack on Air Force One, Henry shares information that makes her reconsider her theory.

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After they uncover a secret that could ruin Maria Ostrov’s reputation, Elizabeth and President Dalton head to Switzerland to meet with her and use the information as leverage to find a peaceful solution to the escalated conflict with Russia. Also, Dmitri requests to be released from his duties as a spy.

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Elizabeth must watch what she says and does when she deals with a refugee situation while being shadowed by Neal Shin, a newspaper reporter who may use his access to write a tell-all book.

Director: Sunu Gonera

Writer: Joy Gregory

As Elizabeth prepares to officially declare her candidacy for president, she must deal with fallout from a news article alleging she had an affair with President Dalton during her CIA days. Also, Mike B. and Jay adjust to the growing pains in their expanded roles as campaign staffers, and Elizabeth calls for a UN criminal tribunal against Myanmar military leaders over their treatment of the Rohingya.

Director: Sunu Gonera

Writer: Matt Chester

As Elizabeth prepares to leave the state department and announce her run for president, anti-globalist terrorists attack the United Nations delegation in Geneva who are there to sign the climate migration treaty.

Director: John Murray

Writer: Matt Ward

The United States debates enacting a “render safe” mission to secure nuclear weapons that belong to the Pakistani government before it collapses, while the Murphy Station pursues the terrorist Jibral Disah.

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Elizabeth goes head to head with a U.S. governor over the state's new policy of separating unauthorized immigrants from their children. Also, she and Henry plan to renew their wedding vows.

Director: Martha Mitchell

Writer: David Grae, Barbara Hall

When evidence implicates Daisy in the leak of hacked information during the presidential campaign and threatens to topple Elizabeth’s presidency, Elizabeth must decide what to believe and how far she’s willing to go to uncover the truth. Also, Henry and Elizabeth host former President Dalton at the White House after his interview with Bob Schieffer.

Director: James Whitmore Jr.

Writer: Alexander Maggio

As Elizabeth prepares for the arrival of Iranian President Shiraz to sign a nuclear treaty, she uncovers a top secret plot to assassinate him on United States soil. At the same time, she must deal with a massive protest by the Human Rights Campaign in response to Iran’s plans to stone a gay citizen to death. Also, Elizabeth sees a therapist (Marsha Mason) to deal with her PTSD.

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With the support of President Dalton, Elizabeth attempts to get the Senate's support for a history-making effort to lift the Cuban trade embargo. Also, Henry and Alison bond while touring Havana together.

Director: Tate Donovan

Writer: Joan Rater, Tony Phelan

Following a shocking event on U.S. soil, Elizabeth rushes to find answers to President Dalton's many questions about how it was able to occur.

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Elizabeth and her team work to secure the release of an American journalist held hostage in the Sudan.

Director: Deborah Reinisch

Writer: Matt Ward

After President Dalton hears about a sonic attack at the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria, he thinks Russia is to blame and uncharacteristically threatens them with military force, leaving his cabinet concerned about his mental status.

Director: Deborah Reinisch

Writer: David Grae, Barbara Hall

Elizabeth flies to Fashion Week in Milan to face off against the Chinese Foreign Minister over an anti-sweatshop treaty in the aftermath of a tragedy. Also, Daisy struggles with feelings of fear and pessimism over her baby’s future, under the threat of rising nationalism in the wake of the attack on the White House.

Director: John Murray

Writer: Matt Ward

Elizabeth goes head to head with a U.S. governor over the state’s new policy of separating unauthorized immigrants from their children.

Director: Rob J. Greenlea

Writer: David Grae, Barbara Hall

When a group of American missionaries become hostages during a violent uprising abroad, Dalton must confront demons from his past in order to help Elizabeth secure their safe return home. Also, Stevie takes over Russell’s social media presence, and Henry helps his niece, Sarah, mentally prepare for her military deployment.

Director: Charlotte Brändström

Writer: Sara Ray

Elizabeth faces mounting protests over rising fuel costs as she prepares to throw out the first pitch at a New York Mets game. Also, Mike B. is questioned by the Senate Intelligence Committee as part of the investigation into whether the McCord campaign conspired with Iran to steal the election.

Director: Félix Enríquez Alcalá

Writer: Joy Gregory