Designated Survivor has not survived, sadly. Today, it was revealed that ABC has cancelled the TV show after two seasons. *Update below.
The political drama centers on Tom Kirkman (Kiefer Sutherland), a low-level cabinet member who becomes President of the United States after a massive attacked on the capitol. The cast also includes Natascha McElhone, Adan Canto, LaMonica Garrett, Kal Penn, Maggie Q, Malik Yoba, Paulo Costanzo, Zoe McLellan, Ben Lawson, Tanner Buchanan, and Mckenna Grace.
Designated Survivor: A Look at the Ratings
Designated Survivor debuted strong in 2016, but the ratings have waned in its sophomore year. So far, season two is averaged a 0.71 rating in the 18-49 demo and 3.95 million viewers, making it one of ABC‘s lower-rated TV shows for the 2017-2018 season in the demo.
The show could easily have been cancelled but the network renewed it, likely hoping that the ratings would rise in year two. They went in the opposite direction. In the demo, the ratings dropped 43% year-to-year and 32% in viewers.
The May 16th episode will now serve as the defacto series finale.
What do you think? Are you a fan of Designated Survivor? Are you sad to see the series go? Would you have watched season three?
9/5/18 update: Designated Survivor was cancelled by ABC but Netflix later ordered season three.
loved the show
With the cliff hanger they just left us and they’re cancelling the show?!?!?!? That’s just insane.
NO! We love to watch Designated Survivor and “on demand” it often. Friends love it too and we all discuss after each show. Hopefully they will bring it back especially with that non-ending last episode. If they leave it cancelled – we will hesitate to watch their ABC shows because it is awful when they aren’t completed to a real ending.
I really look forward to each episode of Designated Survivor. Hope ABC will reconsider their decision.
I’m so disappointed to see that Designated Survivor has been cancelled. It didn’t really end. It will be missed.
This is the only show I like on TV right now. Please bring it back. This show is so needed now. It seems like it models the current presidency and our country needs the honest and intelligent President like we have now and like Tom Kirkman and not a politician. One that will do for our country what needs to be done!
One of my most favorite shows and was looking forward to a Season Three!
A great program and was so looking forward to a Season 3!
This is one of the Best shows on TV. Showing situations that are almost real. Having a serious show is important to off set the silly and bordering stupid comedies.
We really enjoyed this show! This is a ridiculous way to end a series.
Thank a lot ABC
I have watched every episode of the 2 seasons and really want to see a season 3.
More of the American people should watch this to see the real way the country is run and that they need to demand change.
Let’s hope for a real independent President to stop the political nonsense and get things done that are really going to make America great again!
Way to make this a post about your political views.
I enjoyed the series because once again, the characters give an answer to a prayer of a more centrist government that listens to the public’s opinion outside of the voting booth. Kiefer Sutherland was an excellent example of what an intelligent, caring, honorable president should be. Kind of a Gerald Ford. Someone who was not elected to the office but conducted himself with dignity and patriotism. We do so need this right now.
Of the shows we love to watch, Designated Survivor is one of the best, if not the best of them all. Why its ratings were not better mystifies me. It is so good that perhaps a more deserving network will pick it up if ABC shoots itself in the foot.
Love, love, love this show. It’s the anti pointless, brainless tv that is taking over
My husband and I look forward to this show each week. It’s one of the best shows out there. I hope another network picks it up. Please.