I enjoyed the first two seasons of Designated Survivor it was entertaining and kept your interest. If your a 24 fan you will enjoy the first two seasons it's basically if Jack Bauer became president. The third season it fell apart with the removal of some of the cast with no explanation. They also added lots of unnecessary cussing that did not fit the vibe it totally changed the mood of the show.
1,174 Reviews
Third season is a dud
grasswhisperer8 June 2019
I really liked "Designated Survivor" for the first two seasons (gave them a rating of 9) and was happy when they announced that Netfkix was going to do a thrid season, but not only is this season dull (do they have new script writers?) but they have added crude language and graphic sex which is disappointing. The story line of Kirkman running for president is done in a lousy way. The new characters are obnoxious straight down the line even though the actors who play them are, for the most part, decent actors. Overacted and with the feeling that everyone except Sutherland are just phoning it in. This is turning me off pretty quickly. How could Netflix ruin what was a decent series? Those of us who were watching it most likely didn't watch a lot of "House of Cards" and that is not what we want.
0 Stars for Season Three; 10 Stars each for Season One and Two
gian5525 April 2020
Season One and Two were fantastic: Interesting, gripping, great cast and production. I couldn't wait for the next episode. After Netflix took over Season Three, I stopped watching after about one-third of the episodes. Season Three is obsessed and strategized with misguided identity politics, "politically correct" content, and crass language. The screenplays for Season Three are amateurish and nowhere match those of Season One and Two. Strange, when Netflix produces, things get sleazy.
Why the cursing?
rgbilbrey7 June 2019
I've liked this show even though it's a little liberal for me. I was excited Netflix picked it up after being cancelled. Why did Netflix have to add the cursing? The show was fine without it. Language doesn't add anything to the quality of the show. I know everyone thinks it makes it more realistic but I disagree. It just isn't needed.
I am not one for political shows but...
katrina-devries17 November 2018
This show, which I stumbled upon when trying to find something to watch, grabbed me right off the cuff. Full of twists and turns, incredible storylines and great actors, I am sold. From terrorists, to conspiracies, to family and finally the incredible conflicts going on within the country. Watch it. Now.
Compelling but clunky and periodically plain embarrassing.
davidhands13 May 2017
I've just binge watched it up to the end of Episode 18. The initial premise is interesting, whether or not it's actually based in reality. You always need to grant some leeway with "initial premises", especially these days. I stopped watching 24 after the second season because I found it too infantile and silly. I did watch The West Wing through to the end. This is a sort of 24 meets The West Wing. The show lets itself down with too many loving gazes between the President and his wife (does she have any flaws at all?), some terribly clunky lines and worst of all, the relentless US Patriot, buzz word laden speeches. "The American people deserve...". "Rebuilding our amazing nation...". "Rebuilding our fantastic Government". There's no mention of lobbyists or Corporate involvement in Government. There's no mention of the profound disconnect between citizen and Government that is a feature of contemporary politics. The various "third rails" of US politics are briefly mentioned. It is a show about a fantasy America and a fantasy American Government. It's the TV Show version of America that is challenged by the initial events and it responds the way TV Show script writers think such a world would respond. Having said all that, it moves reasonably quickly and the split between the two story arcs is well handled and engaging. The only caveat is - if you find "true blue, Mom and Apple Pie American sentimental patriotism" too much to bear, you're going to struggle with this show. But it's probably worth bearing with, all in all. There are far, far worse shows on TV.
Loved it....
carolegray-712051 August 2019
New season, New attitude?
RealityTVBites8 June 2019
Nothing is added by Netflix's inclusion of profanity for this new season. Just because you Can doesn't mean you Should. A famous adage that applies especially when it affects the tenor and tone of a show that "survived" without. It is actually distracting and takes away from the enjoyment of the show!
Amazing
Marcusjt20041 February 2021
This show is one of my favourite Netflix Originals. It kind of combines House of Cards (2013) with 24 (2001) really well with it being half political drama and half action thriller. All of the main cast play such amazing, likeable but flawed characters. Season One is by far the best because you just had no idea where it was going, season two kept the suspense with a different story every week but still had long running stories. Season three however wasn't that good. It had some good moments but it just felt like a very different show.
Best show ever
jontramtrain22 July 2019
starts out great but gets boring
badreligionfan22 May 2017
The first episode was of a high quality, but after a couple of episodes this show becomes 3 shows. A "House Of Cards" with a "too good, always makes politically correct decisions"-president. He is just not interesting. I wish he wás evil. A "Homeland" woman who tries to save the world on her own. She's also not interesting and the "action scenes" with her are like the A-team or mcgyver. just amateurish. (just like the black screened beeping Hollywood computers they use, with awful animations.) Then there is the wife and kids and it's just too sweet. The "designated survivor" thing is a very interesting story. I wish there were flash back episodes, why the attackers did it. How was the situation before? Also make Keifer suck. Let him make wrong decisions, be a lousy husband that secretly enjoys all this new power.
An example of a non bingable show
Mcduff360119 February 2019
This show started off REALLY well. I was right into after Season 1. Season 2 fell apart, after awhile I realized that if I wasn't watching episodes back to back there would be at least a week in between shows so the randomness might not be as blatant, like characters just vanishing off the show with sometimes not even a mention. The formula of crisis is introduced, crisis is explained as how it will hurt the presidents reputation, crisis is averted with some kind of personal sacrifice from the president. Rinse and repeat after every episode.
I stopped about 3/4 of the way through season 2. I just can't do it anymore with this show. I don't remember seeing a show tank as fast as this one. Super disappointing with where this show went. I think if you are looking for a political drama The West Wing would be better.
I stopped about 3/4 of the way through season 2. I just can't do it anymore with this show. I don't remember seeing a show tank as fast as this one. Super disappointing with where this show went. I think if you are looking for a political drama The West Wing would be better.
Getting better every week
cmstrauss27 October 2016
The pilot episode was intriguing but as Designated Survivor (just watched episode 5) goes on it's really hitting it''s stride. Kiefer's acting is compelling and all of the characters are beginning to get fleshed out as the story begins to come together. The idea of an every-man becoming President is interesting as he copes with the difficult choices he has to make, and the effects his new job have on him and his family. Actually showing the incredible toll that making life and death decisions a decent man who is president has to make, is so enlightening and Kiefer is masterful at portraying the pathos as well as the joy. Adding the conspiracy/suspense to the mix makes it edge of your seat viewing. This is the first new show in a long time that I actually look forward to watching.
a desperate change
lee_eisenberg31 October 2018
If ever you needed an example of why TV shows work best as serials, look no further than "Designated Survivor". Sworn in as president following a terrorist attack, Kiefer Sutherland's character has to face a new crisis on every episode. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that there's more than meets the eye.
In addition to Sutherland, there's fine support from Natascha McElhone (The Truman Show), Kal Penn (Harold & Kumar) and others. I recommend it.
In addition to Sutherland, there's fine support from Natascha McElhone (The Truman Show), Kal Penn (Harold & Kumar) and others. I recommend it.
Mixed bag but still worth a watch.
akwonghuynh21 June 2019
Season 1 and 2, Designated Surivor introduced plots and narratives that were a mixed bag. Some were enthralling and alluded to bigger plots, but ultimately led to nowhere, or went out with a whimper. Other elements led to unforseen twists which spiced up the story.
Without any spoilers, there were plots that I had hoped were expanded upon or developed further, rather than being conviniently wrapped up by the end of the episode with little consequence. However, with that being said, there were little details that turned into something big and added a bit of danger to the story.
Maybe this was due to budget constraints or ABC oversight from preventing the series from becoming too dark, because I don't believe that the writers who brainstormed some pretty solid ideas, wanted those ideas to pan out the way they did.
Season 3, is helmed purely by Netflix, and it shows. That's not necessarily a good nor bad thing. The season still suffers from the "long build and anti-climatic whimper" the first two seasons had. Some story points just wrapped up too quickly after they build up they were given. In essence, great concepts but poor execution still plagues this series.
The language is a bit vulgar and gratuitous, hitting me like a freight train roaring down a mountain. The showed laid it on heavy, probably wanting to hammer home that Designated Survivor is now Netflix's new dark-gritty baby and potential heir to House of Cards. The series practically broke the fourth wall when a certain character swore. The language was toned down later on in the season, and the writers reserved its usage to add a punchier effect.
Another thing I noticed with Season 3 is how slanted the politics were, compared to the previous seasons. ABC (according to them) tries to be politically unbiased, and so the first two seasons attempted to reflect that. The villains were based on groups in the real world, but it was far removed enough that there was no direct link. The politics espoused by the President's speech were distinctly centrist. But in Season 3, there is a left wing slant no matter how hard the series tries to tell me that it is centrist. This is mostly a result of the season having a distinct tone of identity politics that just feels off. That being said, the left wing politcs is nowhere near "West Wing" levels, so the politically right leaning shouldn't be turned off by it (I'm also certain West Wing never bothered with identity politics either. It was a show from a different time). The series still does take potshots at both ends of the political spectrum, just not as strongly as the first two, and also notes that not all groups are monolithic, which is nice. However, there is a definite Left-wing slant in Season 3. Right wing extremist groups are mentioned a lot, but not a peep about left wing extremists.
Season 3 also takes a lot cues from what's happening in the world right now. I can't quite articulate it, but there's something jarring about watching the series and instantly being reminded about a certain rally that happened in the real world not too long ago. I'm don't find it off-putting per se, but I do find it jarring and that it would make the season feel dated in later years to come. Not to mention, these references are just that, references. They don't really add anything to the story, or the over arching plot.
This is an issue that I'm noticing more in Season 3, than the first two seasons. There are character arcs that serve no other purpose than just padding out the run time and attempting to make them more than just cardboard cutouts.
Which brings me to my next point, there are a few characters missing. There is a convinient narrative explanation for this, but when you think about the characters that are affected by it, it doesn't make sense as to why they're absent. I am aware that the actors and actresses may not be available for whatever reason and had to have been replaced, but there are a lot of turnovers, and some of the replacements don't feel as valuable or as likeable as their predecessors.
Lastly, the music. I usually don't coment on music, but some of the selections used at the end of certain episodes felt off, considering the subject matter they finished with. The tunes were a bit too spirited for a moment that should be tragic and horrifying.
I know my review has largely been negative so far, but I'll list the good. -Kirkman's character development and interaction with family -Emily's development -New Chief of Staff Mars. He's a new addition but I really enjoyed his arc. Arguably the best part of Season 3. -The Campaign Manager. This character is a barrel of excitement. -A different portrayal of the CIA. In most media, the CIA is always portrayed as this overly powerful organisation that skirts the rules whenever it chooses. Here they're shown as an Agency with not enough domestic resources. I don't know how representative that is of real life, but it's a refreshing change. -Dr Eli, he's a geneticist. Great character. The scientific matieral in season 3 is surprisingly accurate, albeit broad. I guess they don't want to be caught out by the details, but it's nice to see things that are more authentic at first glance.
Without any spoilers, there were plots that I had hoped were expanded upon or developed further, rather than being conviniently wrapped up by the end of the episode with little consequence. However, with that being said, there were little details that turned into something big and added a bit of danger to the story.
Maybe this was due to budget constraints or ABC oversight from preventing the series from becoming too dark, because I don't believe that the writers who brainstormed some pretty solid ideas, wanted those ideas to pan out the way they did.
Season 3, is helmed purely by Netflix, and it shows. That's not necessarily a good nor bad thing. The season still suffers from the "long build and anti-climatic whimper" the first two seasons had. Some story points just wrapped up too quickly after they build up they were given. In essence, great concepts but poor execution still plagues this series.
The language is a bit vulgar and gratuitous, hitting me like a freight train roaring down a mountain. The showed laid it on heavy, probably wanting to hammer home that Designated Survivor is now Netflix's new dark-gritty baby and potential heir to House of Cards. The series practically broke the fourth wall when a certain character swore. The language was toned down later on in the season, and the writers reserved its usage to add a punchier effect.
Another thing I noticed with Season 3 is how slanted the politics were, compared to the previous seasons. ABC (according to them) tries to be politically unbiased, and so the first two seasons attempted to reflect that. The villains were based on groups in the real world, but it was far removed enough that there was no direct link. The politics espoused by the President's speech were distinctly centrist. But in Season 3, there is a left wing slant no matter how hard the series tries to tell me that it is centrist. This is mostly a result of the season having a distinct tone of identity politics that just feels off. That being said, the left wing politcs is nowhere near "West Wing" levels, so the politically right leaning shouldn't be turned off by it (I'm also certain West Wing never bothered with identity politics either. It was a show from a different time). The series still does take potshots at both ends of the political spectrum, just not as strongly as the first two, and also notes that not all groups are monolithic, which is nice. However, there is a definite Left-wing slant in Season 3. Right wing extremist groups are mentioned a lot, but not a peep about left wing extremists.
Season 3 also takes a lot cues from what's happening in the world right now. I can't quite articulate it, but there's something jarring about watching the series and instantly being reminded about a certain rally that happened in the real world not too long ago. I'm don't find it off-putting per se, but I do find it jarring and that it would make the season feel dated in later years to come. Not to mention, these references are just that, references. They don't really add anything to the story, or the over arching plot.
This is an issue that I'm noticing more in Season 3, than the first two seasons. There are character arcs that serve no other purpose than just padding out the run time and attempting to make them more than just cardboard cutouts.
Which brings me to my next point, there are a few characters missing. There is a convinient narrative explanation for this, but when you think about the characters that are affected by it, it doesn't make sense as to why they're absent. I am aware that the actors and actresses may not be available for whatever reason and had to have been replaced, but there are a lot of turnovers, and some of the replacements don't feel as valuable or as likeable as their predecessors.
Lastly, the music. I usually don't coment on music, but some of the selections used at the end of certain episodes felt off, considering the subject matter they finished with. The tunes were a bit too spirited for a moment that should be tragic and horrifying.
I know my review has largely been negative so far, but I'll list the good. -Kirkman's character development and interaction with family -Emily's development -New Chief of Staff Mars. He's a new addition but I really enjoyed his arc. Arguably the best part of Season 3. -The Campaign Manager. This character is a barrel of excitement. -A different portrayal of the CIA. In most media, the CIA is always portrayed as this overly powerful organisation that skirts the rules whenever it chooses. Here they're shown as an Agency with not enough domestic resources. I don't know how representative that is of real life, but it's a refreshing change. -Dr Eli, he's a geneticist. Great character. The scientific matieral in season 3 is surprisingly accurate, albeit broad. I guess they don't want to be caught out by the details, but it's nice to see things that are more authentic at first glance.
Netflix takeover
suegreg-440018 June 2019
Overall like first two seasons very well, was one of the few shows clean enough to be considered a family show. One episode in after Netflix took over and already potty mouth. The f word and gd word have added nothing constructive to the show- just now won't be watching any more due to the offensive language. Thanks for ruinous a good show Netflix.
Love this show, its drama is tense and strong characters.
kuuk330 September 2016
It really is an older Jack Bauer as the President. He doesn't need a gun anymore, but his moral compass is just as strong. His character is learning what it means to have power and manipulate people to do what is needed.
Its only been two days since the incident, so I guess its to early to have any answers. However I think an inside job has to be the obvious solution for how it happened, which will probably be addressed in the future.
So far I love this show and recommend everyone to watch it on Netflicks.
Its only been two days since the incident, so I guess its to early to have any answers. However I think an inside job has to be the obvious solution for how it happened, which will probably be addressed in the future.
So far I love this show and recommend everyone to watch it on Netflicks.
Wow...I didn't expect it to be this good!!
jjpscott0122 September 2016
To be honest, I was worried that a show based around anything remotely "Political" in today's current climate would turn into a mess quickly. I'm happy to find that based on the pilot I was way wrong this time around. Keifer Sutherland has always been an understated actor with remarkable range and a strange charm and it really shines here. Quite the opposite of his former iconic role as the heroic martyr Jack Bauer, he conveys a calm fear and nervousness that any man thrust into this terrifying position would certainly inhabit. The supporting cast is strong, the plot is smart and well written, and the subject matter is more engaging than it even sounds on paper. If they can keep up this intensity while maintaining the quality displayed in the first episode, we could potentially have a real winner here.
Amazing story line
chrisnglenn17 October 2016
If you can get past an enemy being able to blow up the Capitol during the State of the Union, leaving only a single representative and the Secretary of HUD as designated survivors, then this is a fantastic show. The challenges would be almost insurmountable, and Kiefer Sutherland is awesome. His character is growing every week. His wife is a strong woman, an attorney, and will obviously make a great First Lady. His oldest son has issues, so it will be interesting to see how that all falls out. There also seems to be some mystery surrounding one survivor of the bombing, as well as the actions of state governors in the wake of the disaster. To me, this is reminiscent of The West Wing, at least so far. I highly recommend this!
entertaining
fmwongmd20 December 2020
Netflix sucks
theodorosioa21 November 2019
Love it! Please don't cancel!
tivabad26 May 2018
really enjoying this
blanche-227 October 2016
Designated Survivor is the only new show of the season I have any interest in watching.
The show concerns a terror attack during the State of the Union address that wipes out the President, Vice President, the House, the Senate and other high-level government officials who are in the Capitol Building at that time.
When there is a large assembly of President, VP, House, Senate, etc, one person is chosen to stay behind in the event of just such a thing occurring. After the show premiered, I did see a news report about this, and apparently it is true. Makes sense.
The designated survivor in this case is the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Tom Kirkman (Kiefer Sutherland). He is 11th in line of succession, but he moves up to the top after the attack. No one finds him qualified, and in fact, some people refuse to follow his orders.
However, Kirkman is stronger than they know, even if he is more deliberate in making decisions. He is also a caring individual who wants to live up to his responsibilities and serve the people.
It's a tough adjustment for a married man with two children who previously had a very different job. His first order of business is finding out who attacked the U.S. as the Joint Chiefs of Staff are eager to go after whom they believe is responsible.
This may be a problem a year show, where it takes an entire season for one situation to be resolved, and the second season begins with another problem. So far the investigation of what happened is very exciting and pointing to the involvement of one Senator who was conspicuously absent at the time of the explosion.
The cast is very good, including a nearly unrecognizable Virginia Mattson, whose agenda seems hidden, Ashley Zukerman as the questionable Senator, Kal Penn, Natascha McElhone, and many others, all of whom are top notch.
But there's no question that the quiet strength Kiefer Sutherland brings to the character of Kirkman carries the show. He's excellent as a man who had greatness thrust upon him as he deals with a few supporters, a lot of enemies, and his family.
Very good series. Hope it lasts.
The show concerns a terror attack during the State of the Union address that wipes out the President, Vice President, the House, the Senate and other high-level government officials who are in the Capitol Building at that time.
When there is a large assembly of President, VP, House, Senate, etc, one person is chosen to stay behind in the event of just such a thing occurring. After the show premiered, I did see a news report about this, and apparently it is true. Makes sense.
The designated survivor in this case is the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Tom Kirkman (Kiefer Sutherland). He is 11th in line of succession, but he moves up to the top after the attack. No one finds him qualified, and in fact, some people refuse to follow his orders.
However, Kirkman is stronger than they know, even if he is more deliberate in making decisions. He is also a caring individual who wants to live up to his responsibilities and serve the people.
It's a tough adjustment for a married man with two children who previously had a very different job. His first order of business is finding out who attacked the U.S. as the Joint Chiefs of Staff are eager to go after whom they believe is responsible.
This may be a problem a year show, where it takes an entire season for one situation to be resolved, and the second season begins with another problem. So far the investigation of what happened is very exciting and pointing to the involvement of one Senator who was conspicuously absent at the time of the explosion.
The cast is very good, including a nearly unrecognizable Virginia Mattson, whose agenda seems hidden, Ashley Zukerman as the questionable Senator, Kal Penn, Natascha McElhone, and many others, all of whom are top notch.
But there's no question that the quiet strength Kiefer Sutherland brings to the character of Kirkman carries the show. He's excellent as a man who had greatness thrust upon him as he deals with a few supporters, a lot of enemies, and his family.
Very good series. Hope it lasts.
Lost me when they went woke
rogerdsr6 November 2021
This could have been an excellent series if they hadn't have decided they were there to be a shill for a political party instead of entertainment.
Especially when a lot of the political stuff was full of dishonest claims and "facts" they used to push an ideological agenda.
Especially when a lot of the political stuff was full of dishonest claims and "facts" they used to push an ideological agenda.
Great Series
natgee28 November 2018
Mr Sutherland is an amazing actor and this series is so addictive . Im more into Sci Fi Shows and thought for a change I would watch something totally different .I came across this series and as one of my fav actors plays the lead I settled back and started to watch it ..I love the story lines all the goings on and now binge watching ...truly enjoyable, sometime grippy ,soppy, sad , fun, it as everything..great cast too...roll on series three
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
