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 love this show. ABC finally gets some good shows and they cancel them. Please bring it back!!!
VERY GOOD SHOW! I WILL MISS IT! SHOW DISPLAYED HOW A PRESIDENT SHOULD ACT!
Call us surprised and disappointed that this show has been cancelled. The network will probably replace with a hunk of “reality bunk”. Sad, so very sad.
My husband and I will miss this series, we finally had a political tv show that at most was unbiased as to dems or reps. There is so much stuff on tv that is politically biased left or right and this one was a refreshing change sad to see it go. Please reconsider!!!!!
I don’t want to see this end. There are so few good political dramas on TV. I rarely watch TV and I really liked this show because of the integrity of the President and his staff.
I will miss this show. It was enjoyable; they worked out some kinks and it was on a good path. So much better than all the silly sitcoms.
Please reconsider!
Yes, we would have watched Season 3. It had its ups and downs, but we looked forward to it every week. Is there nothing we can do?
Can someone else pick it up? Please!!!
You darn right we would’ve watched a Season 3! I finally got a drama show that my husband will actually sit and watch with me and now they are cancelling it??? Come on!! Don’t do this!!
I love the show, and sad to see it go, I was going that it would make it to a season 3, but if cancelled at least close it out properly with a great ending.
Designated Survivor is a great example of what we need in our country now as a president. His morals and example is what America needs now , our president should watch this show and take notes.
I cannot believe this show is being cancelled. It is a very intelligent show and we look forward to it every week. So much nonsense on TV why cancel a great show like Designated Survivor? Please reconsider!
I really enjoyed designated survior. I thought keifer sutherland was fantastic and the show really held my interest
I liked the show! The story lines gave to what might be happening behind close doors in our govermant office and with officials.
Please save this show! It is EXCELLENT! I really hope you reconsider
So tired of all the good shows getting cancelled! This was an awesome one! SMH