Synopsis
“Designated Survivor” is a political drama series that revolves around Tom Kirkman, a low-level U.S. Cabinet member who unexpectedly ascends to the presidency after a catastrophic attack on the State of the Union address claims the lives of the President and most of the Cabinet. Thrust into the role with little preparation, Kirkman must navigate the intricacies of politics, international diplomacy, and national security while uncovering the mystery behind the attack.
Main Characters
- Tom Kirkman (Kiefer Sutherland): The central figure, an idealistic Secretary of Housing and Urban Development who becomes President.
- Alex Kirkman (Natascha McElhone): Tom’s supportive wife and legal advisor.
- Aaron Shore (Adan Canto): The Deputy Chief of Staff who later becomes the Vice President.
- Emily Rhodes (Italia Ricci): Tom’s personal assistant and later Chief of Staff.
- Hannah Wells (Maggie Q): An FBI agent investigating the Capitol bombing.
Themes
The series explores themes like the balance of power, ethical governance, and the complexity of decision-making in a high-stakes environment. It tackles issues ranging from national security to domestic policies and raises moral questions about leadership and integrity.
Critical Consensus and Rating
Overall, the series has received a rating of 3.5 out of 5. Critics praised Kiefer Sutherland’s performance and the show’s concept, but the narrative was often criticized for being too formulaic and lacking in depth in later seasons.
TV Parental Guidelines Rating
The show has a TV-14 rating due to its thematic elements, including terrorism, violence, and some strong language.
Network and Years
The show originally aired on ABC from 2016 to 2018, and its third season was released by Netflix in 2019.
Recommendations
If you liked “Designated Survivor,” you might also enjoy:
- “House of Cards“
- “Madam Secretary“
- “West Wing“
- “24“
- “Homeland“
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