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?
Extremely disappointed to hear of this cancellation – Designated Survivor is well written, entertaining, educational, and thoroughly engaging. I hope that this decision is reversed OR some station will recognize its value and carry the series forward.
I think this a great show and I never thought this would happen. I am really disappointed and hope that they will change their mind or someone else will pick it up
Love this show! Please don’t cancel it!! And YES we would watch it if another network would air the show. We have watched every episode.
Love the show. Thought it was great. Like the acting and the characters in the story line. Bring it back. Makes no sense that it was canceled.
This was a great show. Interesting plots and characters. Sooooo disappointed that is cancelled. I cant believe it that they would cancel it. One if the best shows on tv. Bring it back!!!!
I love the show. Well written and acted in my opinion. Would like those in charge would reconsider.
Great show that ABC should rethink about cancelling. Supposedly it’s not because of the show ratings or quality but because the backend creative talent has some challenges. Find some way to fix that please and bring the show back for a 3rd season.
Love the show, can not wait until the next episode. There are 9 families who get together on Wednesday to view the show
Great show!! Hope another network picks it up.
please keep the show on…. donot cancel it…. you have very good storylines, plots & great casts
Designated Survivor is a great show. Do not cancel it.
This is one of the best TV series going. The show is exciting, and so close to what is happening in the world today. Please do not cancel Designated Survivor!
this is one of my very favorite shows I am very picky I the shows that I watch there are only3 other shows that I do not miss, NCIS Bull Blue Bloods and Designated Survivor Why would you cancel a program that is clean and believable
Please keep this show on! It’s the best since the show “24”
This was the best show in years. Please ABC rethink your decision.
I never missed an episode and I am disappointed in the cancelling. They should renew for another season.