Network: ABC, Netflix
Episodes: 53 (hour)
Seasons: Three
TV show dates: September 21, 2016 — June 7, 2019
Series status: Cancelled by ABC, Revived by Netflix, Cancelled by Netflix
Performers include: Kiefer Sutherland, Natascha McElhone, Adan Canto, Italia Ricci, LaMonica Garrett, Tanner Buchanan, Kal Penn, and Maggie Q.
TV show description:
This political thriller series follows what happens when an unlikely person becomes the leader of the free world.
Tom Kirkman (Kiefer Sutherland) is a lower-level Cabinet member, the United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. He’s the “designated survivor” to the current administration, an individual in the presidential line of succession who is at a distant and secure location when the President and the country’s other top leaders are gathered at a single location.
On the night of the State of the Union address, an unprecedented attack claims the lives of the President and all other members of the Cabinet. Kirkman is immediately sworn in as President, unaware that the attack is just the beginning of what is to come.
He struggles to keep the country and his own family from falling apart — while navigating the highly-volatile political arena and leading the search to find who is responsible for the attack.
Seth Wright (Kal Penn) is Kirkman’s speechwriter and he has strong doubts about his boss’ abilities to lead the nation. FBI agent Hannah Wells (Maggie Q) investigates the attack and believes that there’s more to come from the perpetrators. She clashes with FBI Deputy Director Jason Atwood (Malik Yoba).
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Aaron Shore (Adan Canto) advises the new President following the attack.
A career military man, Admiral Chernow (Mykelti Williamson) is the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff who becomes one of the new President’s most trusted advisors. Emily Rhodes (Italia Ricci) is Kirkman’s former Chief of Staff and a close friend of his family.
Kirkman’s wife is EEOC attorney Alex Kirkman (Natascha McElhone) and their children are teenager Leo (Tanner Buchanan) and young daughter Penny (Mckenna Grace). Mike Ritter (LaMonica Garrett) is Kirkman’s Secret Service agent who’s charged with protecting the family following the attack.
Episode #53 — #truthorconsequences
On election day, Kirkman turns to his therapist to assuage his conscience about the events — and his own decisions — of the momentous prior 36 hours.
First aired: June 7, 2019.
What do you think? Do you like the Designated Survivor TV show? Do you think it should have been cancelled or renewed for a fourth season?
I think the show should be renewed. It’s one of the best new ones out there
I love Designated Survivor! I wish ALL of our politicians were like the character played by Kiefer Sutherland!!! I never watched the 24 series but after watching him act in this show it makes me want to see what the hype was about. ABC has a REAL WINNER HERE!! They gave Designated Survivor a crappy timeslot that’s for sure.
Was my very favorite show last season. What happened? Went from exciting to boring. Get rid of the royal pains character, he is boring and pointless. I would love it if you can bring it back to what it was last year. I feel like I have to apologize to everyone who started watching it this season because of me.
Love the show…. hope it stays on the air for many seasons to come
Love the show, just finished season 1, looking forward to season 2 and hoping for a season 3…. Brilliant writing, filming and acting. Well done, please keep it going.
I was a die hard fan, in the beginning. I just couldn’t wait for the next episode. But now, I do not like the way the story line is going. Trashy. I will not watch again. Cancel the show!
I love it! I still have to catch up on episodes I missed though as I had lots of personal reason I couldn’t watch any Tv during most of its first season.
My husband and myself loved the show! Keep waiting to see if it is coming back. Can’t wait to see the next season!
I made it through about 5 episodes before I decided it was the most far-fetched garbage I had ever seen.
This is a wonderful show. I can’t wait for the next season.
Thanks to Rogers on demand I am able to watch it as I work shift work and don’t want to miss anything.
Great show! period!!,keep it going!!
When does the new season begin, its the best show in TV. should be on for many years.
Great show. I want to see more!!
When will the new season start??????
Designated Survivor is one of the best shows ever put on TV. I can’t even imagine a reason why this should be cancelled…… I have been waiting for the new episode to start……..