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 bette r sho ws on tv
One of my favorite shows. It gives me hope that our next president will be more like this ethical person that Sutherland portrays in Designated Survivor. Can not wait for season 2.
I love this show
One of my favorites until the gun control thing. What a farce! You can never keep guns out of the hands of criminals, only law-abiding citizens. Electing more Democrats?! If the liberal agenda is going to be crammed down my throat, I won’t be watching. Next week may be the last time. I’m finding it boring lately anyway. I’m sure the promotion of the homosexual/transgender storyline will be next on the list.
Good show until they put in the political liberal gun control slant. Unless they talk about Chicago having the tuftest gun control and most shootings. It’s not working in Chicago. The next show talked about electing more Democrats. Removed the show from my dvr. Never to be seen again
I love this series. I can’t wait to see the next program. Great actors, writers, producers, etc. Please keep it coming.
Was a good show to begin with last year. Started off good this year. Is getting too political, not enough intrigue. Is becoming just another platform for liberal views as are many programs on TV. I may discontinue watching if the anti-Republican nd liberal agenda gets worse.
Started slow but then improved immensely until episode 16; what a “bomb”! Leaving the entire show’s theme to push a gun control agenda; terrible. Stick to the series without airing personal beliefs.
Anxiously waiting for a season 2 and beyond. It’s a great thriller and enjoy it immensely
We enjoy watching designated survivor every evening , we are looking forward to the second season.
Love this show! It is 24 all grown up, which is still my favorite show of all time!
Excellent show. Please play up MAGGIE Q’s role. She is excellent in what she does and a scene stealer
Love this show, please, keep it going!!!
Love this show! Keep it going!!!
Just read that Designated Survivor got renewed For season 2!!!!!! I am UNBELIEVEABLY happy right now!!!!!!