Designated Survivor (2016)
A political thriller following an unlikely president thrust into power after a devastating attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Designated Survivor - Series Information
- Original Title: Designated Survivor
- First Air Year: 2016
- Last Air Year: 2019
- Created by: David Guggenheim
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, War, Politics
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 53
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 21, 2016 (United States - TV-PG), September 21, 2016 (Canada - 14+), September 21, 2016 (United Kingdom - 15), September 21, 2016 (Germany - 12), September 21, 2016 (France - 10), September 21, 2016 (Australia - MA 15+), September 21, 2016 (Brazil - 14), September 21, 2016 (Spain - 16), September 21, 2016 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: ABC, Netflix
- Production Companies: Genre Films, ABC Studios, Entertainment 360
- Production Countries: United States of America
- Alternative Titles: Designated Survivor. 720p (US), 지정 생존자 (KR), Дежурный преемник (RU), Επιζών της Επόμενης Μέρας (GR)
Designated Survivor - Plot
Tom Kirkman, a low-level cabinet member is suddenly appointed President of the United States after a catastrophic attack during the State of the Union kills everyone above him in the Presidential line of succession.
Designated Survivor - Trailer
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Designated Survivor - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- David Guggenheim
Main Cast
- Kiefer Sutherland
- Maggie Q
- Kal Penn
- Adan Canto
- Italia Ricci
- Natascha McElhone
- LaMonica Garrett
- Jake Epstein
- Paulo Costanzo
- Ben Lawson
Writers
- Keith Eisner
- Paul Redford
- David Guggenheim
- Michael Russell Gunn
- Ashley Gable
Executive Producers
- Kiefer Sutherland
- Suzan Bymel
- Mark Gordon
- David Guggenheim
- Aditya Sood
Designated Survivor - FAQs
Where can you stream Designated Survivor?
Designated Survivor is available to stream on Netflix and Netflix Standard with Ads. It can also be purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Availability may vary depending on your region.
Why was Designated Survivor cancelled after Season 3?
ABC cancelled Designated Survivor after Season 2, citing declining ratings. Netflix then revived the series for a third season in 2019, but ultimately chose not to renew it for a fourth season, ending the show's run at 53 episodes across three seasons.
Who plays President Tom Kirkman in Designated Survivor?
Kiefer Sutherland plays Tom Kirkman, the low-level cabinet secretary who unexpectedly becomes President of the United States. Sutherland also served as an executive producer on the series, bringing significant creative involvement to the role throughout all three seasons.
Is Designated Survivor based on a true story?
Designated Survivor is a fictional drama, though it draws on the real U.S. government practice of designating a cabinet member to remain in a secure location during events like the State of the Union, ensuring continuity of government in the event of a catastrophic attack.
How many seasons and episodes does Designated Survivor have?
Designated Survivor ran for three seasons totaling 53 episodes. Season 1 comprised 21 episodes, Season 2 had 22 episodes, and Season 3 — produced by Netflix — consisted of 10 episodes. The series aired from September 2016 to July 2019.
What is Designated Survivor about?
Designated Survivor follows Tom Kirkman, a low-ranking cabinet secretary who is thrust into the presidency after a deadly attack destroys the U.S. Capitol during the State of the Union. The series blends political drama with conspiracy thriller elements as Kirkman navigates governing a nation in crisis.
What is the content rating for Designated Survivor?
Designated Survivor is rated TV-14 in the United States, indicating content that may be unsuitable for children under 14. The series contains political violence, mature themes, and intense dramatic situations. International ratings vary by country, ranging from 12 to MA 15+ depending on the region.
Who created Designated Survivor and who wrote it?
Designated Survivor was created by David Guggenheim, who also served as executive producer and writer. The writing staff included Keith Eisner, Paul Redford, Michael Russell Gunn, Ashley Gable, Bill Chais, Sang Kyu Kim, Dana Ledoux Miller, Jennifer M. Johnson, and Jessica Grasl.
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