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.
I have really enjoyed Designated Survivor and believe it is one of the best written series ever for ABC. The network should have given the show a third season for if at least bring the series to a successful conclusion. Maybe President Kirkman leaving the White House at the end of his term possibly moving his family out of Washington and him going back to teaching.
So sad to see this show leave the air. Maybe Netflix will decide to pruduce it.
Once people can watch it great m the beginning and stream a few episodes together I think theyll realize what a great show it is.
Come on Netflix … take this show on!
I am so disappointed. I loved that show.
“Designated Survivor” was not perfect, but there was a lot to like about it. The cast was excellent. The majority of the episodes were very good. It’s unfortunate that the next episode to air will be the last.
This sucks! All the good shows are cancelled and they keep those stupid shows on!!
I will also miss WISDOM OF THE CROWD! Forgot to include it in my list.
What am I going to watch next year??? My favorite shows are RISE and TIMELESS which are in danger of being cancelled. These shows must be reconsidered by the networks. I understand their need to make money but where is their need to satisfy their viewers. I remember well that the classic DICK VAN DYKE show was poor in the ratings in its first season and was almost cancelled. Giving it another chance brought the viewers back and made it an all time winner. I will miss DESIGNATED SURVIVOR, THE LIBRARIANS, and LIFE SENTENCE. I guess once again the sponsors… Read more »
Another bad move by ABC. Now tell me that Kevin Saves the World is gone, too. Anything quality is cut, but the mindless sitcoms continue.
Sad! This was one of the shows that made the viewers think about what is important and how important working together without agendas and politics is all about.
UNBELIEVABLE!! Another quality show dumped
Anything good, decent and inspiring, gets cancelled. At least, for one hour per week, I could dream, that I lived in a country, with a president, who did not think of himself, but did things, for the good of the country. ABC yanked ‘Commander-in-Chief’ (starring Geena Davis) years ago, and now, they cancelled ‘Designated Survivor.’ I’m, officially, done with ABC.
Me too! They keep shoving shows like American Idol and stupid ones like those real life cooking shows that I refuse to watch because of their content..(dumb) I guess this is a way to get people to use Netflix and other pay per view methods?
Very disappointed
I am very disappointed with this announcement. I loved watching the show, finding it very engaging and realistic. Always thought Kiefer Sutherland could teach our current president a few things!
Very disappointed at cancellation. One of our favorite shows. And lots of ‘garbage’ shows are not cancelled!
Very disappointed as I really got into the show. Really liked Kiefer’s portrayal of the POTUS, too!
Loved this show from its inception. I am shocked it’s not being renewed