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?
Oh please. It’s the only decent show on tv. Maybe runs too close to the political climate in Washington?
Love the show, almost real and believable, would like to see continue.
It has been a fascinating series for my wife and I. Kirkman is a non-political president and relies heavily on the wise advise of the team he has gathered around him. I wish the series would continue
Typical…finally a good quality show to watch and the bean counters cancel it. For what, another reality show? “Dancing with your pet.”
They end a good show like this but let those idiot stars continue to dance … Unbelievable…
Please continue this – my favorite show!
Really shocked to hear that Designated Survivor is being cancelled. Look forward to a new episode every week! 🙁
So typical of ABC! Get rid of good shows & keep the crap. I’m done with ABC
This was one of the most engrossing shows on TV!!! I am very disappointed!
This is the 2nd show that you are cancelling that I really enjoyed. I done with ABC.
are you crazy people !! one of the most talked about watched shows in my work place my family and friends. i CAN NOT believe it doesnt have enough viewers. please reconsider. if not maybe everyone i know or talk to should boycot your station !!
Please reconsider. We love this show.. puts us to our toes wanting to see the next episode…
All of our friends and club members are extremely disappointed with this news! What a shame…bad decision
We love this show and are very unhappy they are cancelling it.
Very interesting and entertaining show with great acting. Please renew.