Why did Designated Survivor have to go? Recently, Variety speculated on the reasons why ABC cancelled the TV show after two seasons.
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.
According to Variety, there are several reasons why ABC decided to cancel Designated Survivor. For one, the drama was sinking in the ratings. So far, season is averaging a .71 in the 18-49 demo and only 3.951 million viewers.
Secondly, the show has gone through four showrunners in only two seasons. And, to cap things off, season three would have required Designated Survivor to move production from Toronto to Los Angeles, a costly move for a low-rated series.
What do you think? Have you seen Designated Survivor? Would you have watched a third season?
I still can’t believe this show has been cancelled! You need to bring it back!!!
I still couldn’t believe this show has been cancelled! It’s been one of the best!! PLEASE bring it back – you gotta!!!
ABC had to make room for another talent or singing show or cooking or dancing show ?? There are NO writers in TV anymore !!
This was one of the best political shows on TV. My two grandsons ages 12 & 14 watched it every Thursday.!! With all the government upheaval it was inspiring to see a show about “good” government.
This is a fabulous show. Great cliff hanger at last episode.
Characters were well define, lots of twists.
Perhaps it’s time to change your viewing demographics to include those over 49 and see what results you get. The writing, casting and acting on this show are excellent. Seems that ABC can’t get past its Thursday night lineup to include other shows that might live up to those same standards, which Designated Survivor certainly does! Moving from Canada to LA might bring in those viewers you seem to need.
I am done with ABC. Designated Survivor had given me a reason to watch tv.
The show kept my interest throughout two seasons and I truly looked forward to season 3.
If you add it back I will watch ABC tv again. Until then, I’m done.
This is a nice series. Well thought of, acted and produced. It gave a serious perspective to the man that sits in the oval office.
Would watch it to the end.
It was canceled because once any show becomes popular they have to cancel it and put on some reality crap.
Since this show was cancelled I have decided to cancel my cable.
Netflix is trying to save it but the biggest obstacle is that hulu owns the streaming rights for the show in the us and canada.
So please contact hulu and ask them to give the streaming rights to netflix.
Only show I’ve been devoted to. Saved it for watching at a better time. Best president going now. Will be missed.
This was one of the best tv shows we have watched in years..very great acting plus great drama and entertaining..maybe get rid of the walking zombies or gouls shows that make so much sense..NOT..would vote to have this show back in a second..
Very sad please reconsider! Loved the series and Keifer Sutherland is amazing as he was in 24. Never missed an episode. Hoping that it will be renewed
Kiefer and cast were excellent. We never missed an episode. We couldn’t wait for the week to go by to seethe next showing. Think you should not cancel this great tv show.
Never missed an episode. One of the best tv shows. Kiefer and cast were excellent. Keep it going please.
I really liked this show! Maybe the younger ones aren’t watching shows about politics due to the political atmosphere we are currently living in.
Absolutely loved the show. Sad to see it be cancelled!