Designated Survivor

2016 • ABC
4.7
809 reviews
TV-14
Rating
Eligible
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Season 1 episodes (22)

1 Pilot
9/21/16
Season-only
A low-level cabinet member is suddenly appointed President of the United States after a catastrophic attack on the U.S. Capitol during the State of the Union address.
2 The First Day
9/28/16
Season-only
Hours after the attack on the Capitol, President Kirkman steps into his role as Commander-in-Chief in the midst of chaos and confusion. Facing dangerous new challenges and adversaries, Kirman struggles to hold a country together that is on the brink of falling apart.
3 The Confession
10/5/16
Season-only
President Kirkman and his staff work to keep a high-level security breach of the White House a secret just as he's about to give his first television interview. Meanwhile, the FBI continues to investigate the Capitol bombing, and Agent Hannah Wells starts to develop her own theory about who was really behind the attack.
4 The Enemy
10/12/16
Season-only
Kirkman learns who is behind the attack and needs to grapple not only with the prospect of war, but brewing domestic troubles as well. Kirkman taps Emily to monitor the domestic situation, while Alex may be in for more than she bargains for when she seeks out help from Hookstraten.
5 The Mission
10/26/16
Season-only
Realizing his attempts at diplomacy with Algeria have failed, President Kirkman makes the difficult decision to send Navy SEALs on a mission that will define his presidency. Meanwhile, as the investigation into the Capitol bombing continues, Agent Hannah Wells discovers more secrets than answers.
6 The Interrogation
11/9/16
Season-only
When shots ring out at The White House during a Governors Summit, President Kirkman's plans at electing a new Congress are thrown into turmoil, while Agent Hannah Wells continues investigating the Capitol bombing and makes one of her most shocking discoveries yet.
7 The Traitor
11/16/16
Season-only
When an American track-and-field coach heads to Russia, President Kirkman is thrust into a hostage exchange involving the CIA and the Russian government. Meanwhile, Agent Hannah Wells and Deputy Director Atwood's investigation into the Capitol bombing uncovers information that puts Atwood and his family's life at risk.
8 The Results
11/30/16
Season-only
On the eve of the country voting to elect a new House of Representatives, an unexpected development forces Kirkman to consider cancelling the elections entirely. Meanwhile, news leaks about Majid Nassar's death, and Kirkman has to handle the fallout.
9 The Blueprint
12/7/16
Season-only
When classified government documents are leaked online, President Kirkman searches for the party responsible only to find that they have taken refuge inside a foreign embassy. Meanwhile, Agent Wells races furiously to gather evidence of MacLeish's involvement in the conspiracy before he can be confirmed as the next Vice President.
10 The Oath
12/14/16
Season-only
President Kirkman fears there could be a traitor in the White House when he discovers shocking information connected to the Capitol bombing. Meanwhile, new information surfaces about Congressman MacLeish, raising concerns about his vice presidential nomination.
11 Warriors
3/8/17
Season-only
The nation reels from the aftermath of the shooting on the steps of the Capitol while Emily struggles with the knowledge there may be a traitor in the White House. Meanwhile, FBI Agent Hannah Wells grapples with her decision to reveal what she knows about the conspiracy behind the Capitol bombing.
12 The End of the Beginning
3/15/17
Season-only
Circles must tighten as a new discovery within the conspiracy emerges. Meanwhile, tension rises between Aaron and Emily as suspicions loom in the White House. A new lead places Agent Wells closer than before to the truth.
13 Backfire
3/22/17
Season-only
A journalist shocks the White House when he reveals classified information during a press briefing and leaves Seth struggling to contain the damage from the leaked story. Meanwhile, Hannah unearths a key connection between MacLeish and the conspiracy.
14 Commander-in-Chief
3/29/17
Season-only
Turmoil in an African country forces President Kirkman to rely on an unlikely ally for help, as Hannah's investigation into the Capitol bombing takes an unexpected turn. Meanwhile, Emily settles into her new role as chief of staff, and Aaron must make a difficult choice.
15 One Hundred Days
4/5/17
Season-only
As President Kirkman releases an agenda to reset his presidency, Alex makes a controversial public statement that threatens to derail it. Meanwhile, FBI agent Hannah Wells unknowingly finds herself in the center of a dangerous trap while getting closer to the truth.
16 Party Lines
4/12/17
Season-only
President Kirkman forms an unlikely alliance in the hopes of passing his first bill while Agent Ritter is briefed by FBI Agent Hannah Wells about a new alarming threat to the nation.
17 The Ninth Seat
4/19/17
Season-only
As President Kirkman struggles to put together a new Supreme Court, FBI Agent Wells goes undercover and discovers much more than she ever could have imagined. Meanwhile, Seth Wright has to contend with journalist Abe Leonard, who returns from the Middle East with an explosive story.
18 Lazarus
4/26/17
Season-only
As President Kirkman considers candidates for Vice President, Kimble Hookstraten finds herself embroiled in scandal. Agent Wells and Jason Atwood return from North Dakota with a critical new lead, while journalist Abe Leonard's investigation takes an unexpected turn.
19 Misalliance
5/3/17
Season-only
As the White House gears up for President Kirkman's first international summit, Kimble Hookstraten faces her toughest political battle yet when her speakership is challenged. Meanwhile, Alex wrestles with whether or not to bring the kids back to Washington.
20 Bombshell
5/10/17
Season-only
President Kirkman's first international summit is derailed when journalist Abe Leonard publishes an explosive article. Meanwhile, Hannah Wells uncovers the conspiracy's next target.
21 Brace for Impact
5/17/17
Season-only
Agent Hannah Wells must stop the conspiracy from carrying out a final attack, while President Kirkman authorizes a nationwide manhunt for the mastermind behind it all.
101 First Look at ABC's New Wednesday Drama "Designated Survivor"
8/28/16
Season-only
In ABC's new conspiracy thriller, "Designated Survivor," Emmy and Golden Globe winning actor Kiefer Sutherland returns to primetime as Tom Kirkman, a lower cabinet member who unexpectedly becomes president after a devastating attack on Washington. He will struggle to prevent the country and his own family from falling into chaos, as he is thrust into one of the most difficult presidencies in history. "Designated Survivor" also stars Maggie Q, Kal Penn and Natasha McEllhone.

About this show

A lower-level cabinet member who is suddenly appointed President of the United States after a catastrophic attack on the U.S. Capitol during the State of the Union. In this dramatic thriller, Kirkman will struggle to keep the country and his own family from falling apart, while navigating the highly volatile political arena and while leading the search to find who is responsible for the attack.

Ratings and reviews

4.7
809 reviews
A Google user
March 30, 2017
Always liked Jack Bauer from 24. As a president who is supposed to be goofy, he surely has traits and qualities of his character in the 24 series. Its my only critic but i like it that he is smart always. They shouldnt make season 2 too fictional but then again their response to events that are unlikely are spot on and their ability to depict the complexity of the executive branch, its many issues and the politics of a 2 person congress is intruiging and engaging. I really love the series and cant wait for season 2. A must see!!!
9 people found this review helpful
Paul Antal
October 15, 2017
Season one was amazing. Great plot, storyline, and writing. The characters were obviously very carefully chosen. I do have a huge problem, though. Last Season was reasonably priced. But, if a show is a hit, or gets good reviews, the networks jack-up the price. Designated Survivor was a big talking point among quite a few of my friends. I watch News, Sports, and maybe one or two other programs. I cannot speak for my friends concerning their TV entertainment likes/dislikes. I can say that there is one thing that we all have agreed on, and that is the corporate greed concerning "hit" follow up seasons compared to the prices of pilot, or 1st seasons. Every one of my friends have agreed that they will not pay the price of what is being charged for season two. This show was "amazing". But $34.99 is way too much to charge. This show should be at least ten dollars less. I am not even watching season 2.
12 people found this review helpful
Steven Clark
September 23, 2016
Designated Survivor was highly anticipated all summer. Now it's here and I was highly impressed. Kiefer Sutherland has never disappointed, and again Jack Bauer is back in a different roll, as a different type of person but when needed Jack Bauer comes back to rescue the situation. Great writing, perfect supporting staff and an idea to keep everyone's attention. See it folks
43 people found this review helpful