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?
ONE OF THE BEST SHOWS ON TV. I COULDNT BELIEVE THEY O UP. I HOPE ALL THAT LEARN OF THIS WILL COMMENT ON THIS SHOW. I HAVE A FUNNY SUSPICION THAT THIS NETWORK IS A LIBERAL NETWORK. THINK ABOUT IT PEOPLE.
It was one of the best TV shows on ABC. I hope they reconsider cancelling it for the fall 2018. The characters really worked well together. The story lines were very well written.
This is one of our favorite shows. I am absolutely frustrated at ABC for cancelling this show! We just watched the last show on season 2 and was anxiously waiting to see season 3. The last scene in the show only left viewers wanting more! I sincerely hope ABC reconsiders cancelling this show or hope that another network will continue it on.
This show was far too good to be cancelled!!! With so many story lines left to be played out, this makes no sense! Great cast too!
Good entertainment. Sorry it was cancelled.
My husband and I love this show. I hope netflicks picks it up.
I love this show! I hate that it has been cancelled!
This was a very poor decision to cancel designated Survivor it was one of your best show and you killed it you make no sense everything you put on his trash you put one good show on that it’s really enjoyable to watch regardless of the politics and you can’t hide very poor decision making .
I love this show!!
Designated Survivor is a great show and my husband and myself are mystified why a show this good would be cancelled. The actors do an excellent job. Keifer Southerland is fantastic and it gives us insight on what could occur in this day and age and how the US would handle such a disaster. We hope that the network, or another network will pick up this show as it is one of the best shows on TV. We are tired of seeing shows with zombies and supernatural being and have enjoyed a down to earth show that could possibly happen… Read more »
Designated Survivor is one of the best shows on television. It is well written and well acted. The twists and turns of the story lined keep it interesting It is a shame that it has been canceled. There are also moral lessens to be learned from the series. It would be great if the network reconsiders its position or if the show is picked up by another network.
One of my family’s favorite shows. Cannot believe they are canceling.
My favorite TV show. You cannot cancel this series. Well written, the actors are the best.
Way to well written, done and casted to even think of canceling… hope someone realized this, and keeps it going
Please don’t cancel this show. Great actors who I have grown to love and the cliffhanger was a shock. Please don”t leave us hanging!