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?
It should be renewed. The finale was left hanging in the air.
My husband and I love this show. Great acting something that is realistic and not silly. Please don’t cancel this show.
Hopefully someone will pick this excellent show up & give it the stability it deserves. ABC left it on hiatus too long. I’d vote for Kiefer over Trump in a heartbeat!
It is a travesty to cancel this show! It’s one of the only decent shows on TV and has been brilliantly written and acted. Please…I’m begging another network to pick up this show!! One that can see the potential for bringing people together rather than splitting everyone down party lines.
My wife and I like this show!
My husband and I love this show and are shocked that it has been cancelled. We really hope that someone will renew it.
Such an excellent show why cancel when so many foolish, silly shows stay on the air. This show is realistic, the sets are stunning and the acting superb. Please renew.
I really enjoyed this tv series, I wish they would change their mind and renew it for season three.
was one of the shows I watch. do hope I can see season 3 some were.
A shame that this show may be cancelled.I think the show is a good indicator of how crooked some Senators,Congressmen,and others are.It shows a President who has the support of most citizens can get little support from Senate and Congress.
One of the best shows on tv. Keiffer sutherland is brilliant.
The show is excellent and should not be cancelled. It provides a view of Washington that showcases the responsibility if the office e if the President that supersedes the pettiness of the current view of that office. I am disappointed that it is not being returned.
I love this show I hope it is picked up for season 3 by somebody, Netflex, Hulu which ever I’ll be watching!
Please don’t cancel Designated Survivor. It’s one of the better shows that is realistic. It shows what the President has to deal with on a daily basis, what he gives up to make our country great. The stories lines are great and I think they really hit home.
Oh please. Maybe it hit too close to Washington. A decent president with morals