Designated Survivor 2016

Overview

Designated Survivor is an American political thriller drama television series created by David Guggenheim. The show aired for three seasons, originally premiering on ABC before moving exclusively to Netflix for its final season. The narrative centers on Thomas Kirkman, an American academic and low-level cabinet member. Following a catastrophic attack during the State of the Union that kills everyone above him in the presidential line of succession, Kirkman is suddenly appointed President of the United States. As the designated survivor, he is officially chosen and set apart to assume the highest office in the country to ensure the continuity of government. Kiefer Sutherland stars as Kirkman, leading a cast that includes Adan Canto, Italia Ricci, and Kal Penn. The series explores the political challenges and responsibilities facing a low-level official who is unexpectedly tasked with managing the fate of the nation after the government is decimated. The show ran from 2016 until 2019, documenting the transition of power and the subsequent administration under these extreme circumstances.