Designated Survivor

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Season 1
Season #: 3, 2, 1
User Score
6.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 254 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 162 out of 254
  2. Mixed: 38 out of 254
  3. Negative: 54 out of 254
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  1. Dzimas
    Oct 4, 2016
    3
    This series has lost me from the start. It is such an absurd premise that to play it seriously is to blow a golden opportunity to have a lot fun. Instead, we see a sadly earnest attempt to make a bureaucrat into a President, somewhat along the lines of Dave but with less than satisfying results. Kiefer Sutherland is virtually unrecognizable in his attempt to play President Tom KirklandThis series has lost me from the start. It is such an absurd premise that to play it seriously is to blow a golden opportunity to have a lot fun. Instead, we see a sadly earnest attempt to make a bureaucrat into a President, somewhat along the lines of Dave but with less than satisfying results. Kiefer Sutherland is virtually unrecognizable in his attempt to play President Tom Kirkland straight up. The creators literally could have gotten anyone to play the role given how non-descript their character is. But, what really sinks this series is the utter lack of conflict in the first two episodes.

    The United States should be a nation in total chaos, It has lost virtually the entire executive, legislative and judicial branches of government, but the creators are treating it like 911. Washington, DC, would have immediately been cordoned off. No one would have been allowed to go in or out with a tight military net surrounding the city. States would have been in total confusion, not just Michigan. There would have been a run on the banks like never seen before and I well imagine all the Doomsday Preppers would have been taking to the woods or wherever they have their private stashes. More likely than not, the military would take have declared martial law.

    Kiefer Sutherland inspires absolutely no confidence in his role. Part of that is intentional the other is just poor writing. His standoffs ring hollow, especially with general. The asides with his wife and advisers aren't very effective and the scene of all the carnage looks like something out of a badly dated video game. What follows looks like it will be a bad copy of West Wing as the new President slowly builds a cabinet to deal with the crisis.

    It's too bad given all the possibilities the scenario has to offer.    … Expand
  2. goforgold
    Oct 16, 2016
    3
    Designated Survivor is another typical major network drama--long on preaching political correctness and diversity, short on substance. Anyone who produces and/or directs a network drama could learn a lot from, for example, Netflix (The Killings, Narcos, The Fall, or Hell on Wheels). Designated just reconfirms for me why I don't watch network television. Cheap and highly predictable.
  3. bob516
    Oct 2, 2016
    1
    If this show was on AMC or FX, where they are not afraid of an edgy storyline, without the heavy melodrama, I probably would have really liked it. There are moments where I find the story interesting, but then I am turned off by the 'laying it on thick' scenes of someone dealing with the loss of a loved one, or extreme family issues. I had to work to get through two episodes, to not letIf this show was on AMC or FX, where they are not afraid of an edgy storyline, without the heavy melodrama, I probably would have really liked it. There are moments where I find the story interesting, but then I am turned off by the 'laying it on thick' scenes of someone dealing with the loss of a loved one, or extreme family issues. I had to work to get through two episodes, to not let hackneyed parts drag me down. Unfortunately, I could not. Only because there are moments of grown-up writing in this , I will give it a 1.… Expand
  4. noonesfo
    Nov 11, 2016
    0
    I started watching because I liked Kiefer Sutherland in 24, but this is
    a big snooze.
    Both my husband and I have fallen asleep while trying to watch this. So many overly predictable plot lines - the evil governor who locks up Muslims, the oh so good immigration attorney who champions Syrians, the very bad rebellious teenager, the backstabbing politicians.... The most    I started watching because I liked Kiefer Sutherland in 24, but this is
    a big snooze.

    Both my husband and I have fallen asleep while trying to
    watch this. So many overly predictable plot lines - the evil governor
    who locks up Muslims, the oh so good immigration attorney who champions
    Syrians, the very bad rebellious teenager, the backstabbing
    politicians....

    The most entertainment I got out of this show was
    predicting the upcoming lines. Sorry, I tried, but it is too boring. Good idea but poor execution. And as good as Sutherland was in 24 is as bad as he is in this.    … Expand
  5. MSMstrikesAgain
    Jun 4, 2017
    1
    It took ABC Studios 10 episodes to reveal the true story line of this show: Dress up a liberal agenda and roll it out under the guise of a 'Registered Independent', all to fight the Alt-Right that will stop at nothing to restore the USA to their version of what's right. A novel idea - were it not for the fact that ABC News and the rest of the MSM (main stream media) is playing this sameIt took ABC Studios 10 episodes to reveal the true story line of this show: Dress up a liberal agenda and roll it out under the guise of a 'Registered Independent', all to fight the Alt-Right that will stop at nothing to restore the USA to their version of what's right. A novel idea - were it not for the fact that ABC News and the rest of the MSM (main stream media) is playing this same story every day, ad nauseam. If nothing else, this show merely shows how pervasive the liberal left is at furthering their intolerant view of what's right, at the expense of the viewers like this author who turn to series like this for a break from the news.

    Find a better story line which doesn't insult the intelligence of the nation at large.    … Expand
  6. trom
    Dec 10, 2016
    1
    Can you spot the clues to the real mystery: how does this dross get such a high metascore? Surely KS has earned enough to risk doing something really interesting or retire. Such poor writing, such awful plot lines, point and click performances. 1 point for the initial idea. Nothing for the idiots who approved a full season of 22 episodes.
  7. giveita10
    Jun 5, 2017
    0
    If you like watching C-Span but sometimes it gets a little too exciting, try this show. If you hate plot twists, Designated Survivor is the flick for you! There will be absolutely no surprises, and in addition, everywhere the writers can create forced drama, they will. If you think Antifa protesters are too articulate, try Tom Kirkman! Tom is the new president. He's an independent, butIf you like watching C-Span but sometimes it gets a little too exciting, try this show. If you hate plot twists, Designated Survivor is the flick for you! There will be absolutely no surprises, and in addition, everywhere the writers can create forced drama, they will. If you think Antifa protesters are too articulate, try Tom Kirkman! Tom is the new president. He's an independent, but actually a liberal. He works really well with the leader of the Republican party, who is also a liberal. The Democrats show up from time to time too, but they always agree with Tom, because, naturally, they are liberal too. Is a cabal of diabolical white people trying to take down your government? It's time for Gun Control! Is there a threat that the same organization that blew up the Capitol will strike again? Music funding for middle school band! What's the most pressing issue? Unilateral nuclear arms reduction!

    TL;DR This show sucks.    … Expand
  8. HOTSPUR
    Nov 27, 2016
    0
    This is a very disappointing effort, with some very tired formulaic US soap-style acting and cardboard cut-out characters (with the exception of Sutherland), e.g. a look-at-me FBI agent, who never has a hair out of place. Very unconvincing stuff. Compare this with the excellent Norwegian political thriller Occupied
  9. itsobs
    Mar 26, 2017
    1
    So cheesy and cliche, who did the writing? The first lady's acting is just terrible.

    Is this a kid's show? It's like a dumbed-down version of House of Cards
  10. nwbaird
    Oct 4, 2017
    3
    Imagine if 24 and Commander in Chief had a baby and dropped it on its head. There is so much one wants to like about this program. The unique premise is implausibly executed. The solid cast drowns in a shallow pool of cliches and platitudes. Designated Survivor can't decide if it wants to be action adventure or political drama and it does neither well.
  11. carrabella
    Oct 4, 2016
    1
    I agree with Dzimas and dukesnyd. Just seems to be a completely unrealistic portrayal of what Washington should be experiencing . And there's no way that I can suspend my frustrations with the plot deficiencies when Keifer continues his whispering. And come on, writers: why not base his first real act of leadership--curbing an overzealous governor--on some brilliant (or even accidental)I agree with Dzimas and dukesnyd. Just seems to be a completely unrealistic portrayal of what Washington should be experiencing . And there's no way that I can suspend my frustrations with the plot deficiencies when Keifer continues his whispering. And come on, writers: why not base his first real act of leadership--curbing an overzealous governor--on some brilliant (or even accidental) insight into his constitutional power, instead of on his ability to develop a convenient lie.… Expand
  12. virginiaproud
    May 13, 2017
    1
    From an interesting premise and strong start, this show has progressively lost its way. The talented are actors doing their best to deliver progressively sillier scenes while maintaining very serious expressions.
  13. Healthynewme
    Sep 26, 2017
    1
    MONTANANS DON'T HAVE SOUTHERN ACCENTS! Please show some respect for actors from Montana like Dana Carvey, Brad Bird, Gary Cooper and Ted Kaczynski (just kidding about Kaczynski). Please get to facts on a group of people before you portray them. That being said, I love the plot. Getting tired of pushing political ideals. We have had enough of that from Holywood. Please do what you do best,MONTANANS DON'T HAVE SOUTHERN ACCENTS! Please show some respect for actors from Montana like Dana Carvey, Brad Bird, Gary Cooper and Ted Kaczynski (just kidding about Kaczynski). Please get to facts on a group of people before you portray them. That being said, I love the plot. Getting tired of pushing political ideals. We have had enough of that from Holywood. Please do what you do best, entertainment. If you want to push politics, run for office.… Expand
  14. drraj90
    May 2, 2018
    3
    Poor research for a program that claims to do global diplomacy. The Bhutan ambassador said "Selamat Malam" to Kirkman at a dinner.
    That is "good night' in the Malay language and not even remotely Bhutanese, whose language is Dzongkha.
    Bad fail.
  15. calumnias
    May 20, 2018
    3
    It's like 24 and The West Wing had a retarded child. Interesting starting point, but pretty bad execution.
  16. robmixalot
    Oct 4, 2016
    3
    I really wanted to like this show.

    But the writing is SO cheesy. It's so clichè.
    The special effects are cheap and henceforth humorous.

    But the writing...

    Is everyone else not watching the same show?!
  17. gmillerdoc
    Nov 1, 2016
    2
    This is a poorly written heavy handed approach, and, I believe, an embarrassment for Kiefer Sutherland coming off an outstanding series like 24. The expected family issues are poorly conveyed and simply raised as a means to an unimportant end. This was poorly executed. The problems the new president faces is also sickeningly simple minded using heavy handed brutish political broad strokes,This is a poorly written heavy handed approach, and, I believe, an embarrassment for Kiefer Sutherland coming off an outstanding series like 24. The expected family issues are poorly conveyed and simply raised as a means to an unimportant end. This was poorly executed. The problems the new president faces is also sickeningly simple minded using heavy handed brutish political broad strokes, assuming a bigoted governor, muslim hatred, a general out to take over before even vetting this new President, a wily conniving congressional designated survivor, the improvised bomb chamber. Who wrote this drivel? Please focus on the real inevitable human drama and real strategic issues and don't come into this with a clear political agenda: the good president, the conniving female other designated survivor, the pushy, treacherous general. Uch. I can't believe Mr Sutherland is allowing these hack writers tarnish his reputation with such poor writing. Even the scene with the seals was staged or crafted in such an obvious way that it has to make one want to puke--and that is sad. The reason for two stars is that it is interesting enough to try to watch, considering the hope that someone will try to bring this out of the garbage and add some sheen to it. It does have Kiefer Sutherland in it, and he can shine if given decent material.… Expand
  18. FelipeZapata
    Dec 28, 2016
    1
    I made it to show No. 6 before throwing up my hands and giving up. This series is endless left-wing political propaganda, specifically pushing the open-borders agenda that says sweet things about immigration in general and Mohammedan immigration in particular. If that's what you're looking for, this show is for you. It's not for me.
  19. vanmombo
    Mar 9, 2017
    1
    I had hoped the plot would get better this season. Still the same, all bad news. I think if the good guys took a step forward once in awhile at least it would make it a little interesting. I actually turned it off last episode. We have enough bad news on the news stations!!
  20. JungleWise
    Oct 26, 2016
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Contains Spoilers
    I was intrigued by the premise. Total destruction of Washington DC and most members of the government. What is going to happen next?! However the intrigue in ground to a complete halt in episode 2, and the series turns into a liberal propaganda vehicle. We see absurd stereotypes everywhere: the WHITE cops giving the BROWN-SKINNED guy a hard time, merely because he's not white. Please. Is Hitlery Clinton funding paying for this series. It's so unbalanced it's embarrassing.
    With a great premise, this could have been as good or better than Mr. Robot -- what happens when large social institutions collapse. Instead, we get liberal-politics disguised as a serious drama. Sutherland should be ashamed. His prior series "Touch" was have way decent. Designated Stranger sucks. And please, Sutherland, stop whispering -- it's really annoying.    … Expand
  21. Rjd707
    Dec 9, 2016
    1
    OK...I am not one to write reviews, but this show is so poorly written, so unbelievable, so poorly cast, and so incredibly bias that I had to creat an ID and sign up to this site to write a review.
    This show is basically insulting to the intelligence of it's audience. The writing is so cliche it's ridiculous, my wife and I predicted the outcome of the episodes we endured. The characters    OK...I am not one to write reviews, but this show is so poorly written, so unbelievable, so poorly cast, and so incredibly bias that I had to creat an ID and sign up to this site to write a review.
    This show is basically insulting to the intelligence of it's audience. The writing is so cliche it's ridiculous, my wife and I predicted the outcome of the episodes we endured. The characters are one dimensional with utterly no chemistry. The typical morally superior president, with the beautiful egalitarian immigration lawyer wife, the rebelious teenage son, 20 year old staffers running the country, a chummy secret service agent that gives the troubles son life lessons, but doubles as a computer expert, the evil members of congress, the white, war monger in generals, the all knowing (and hot) asian FBI agent that seems to be the only one to pick up on this.....

    Sutherland, who is generally good, is painful to watch as an impotent pansy as president...what is the deal with his mouth by the way ? It's like its stuffed with cotton an sewn shut.

    Also, this show is so politically biased its ridiculous...it's like they got Joy Bayhar off her fat a#$ from the View to write the script....Why is it EVERY bad or Shady person is a white male ? The generals are crazy, the corrupt senator, the dude who blew up the capital was in the army with the crooked congressman...who is also white....oh the congresswoman is a witch but she's white too.....anyone of color is fighting for good or going to save the world.

    Oh and the best is their heavy use of green screen for background scenery.....it's laughable.

    I'm done....give this show two seasons tops.    … Expand
  22. bobiroka
    Sep 29, 2016
    0
    Absolute Trash. Utterly unbelievable. I can see what they're trying to do: See what an everyman would do if he was in the Oval office, but they spend so much time dwelling on the family and not fleshing out the real business of what was going on at the white house, that I really couldn't care less by the end of it. This is a shame, because I'm a big fan of Sutherland and feel he couldAbsolute Trash. Utterly unbelievable. I can see what they're trying to do: See what an everyman would do if he was in the Oval office, but they spend so much time dwelling on the family and not fleshing out the real business of what was going on at the white house, that I really couldn't care less by the end of it. This is a shame, because I'm a big fan of Sutherland and feel he could really shine in something more worthy of his talents...… Expand
  23. Noxsucow
    Dec 5, 2016
    0
    I dont understand the good reviews on this show. Perhaps the idea was good but the show quickly became predictable, linear and propagandized trash. I was bored quickly and lost the element of surprise after episode 1.
  24. Storpotaten
    Oct 19, 2016
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This show is probably based on Tom Clancy's novel, Debt of Honor, published in 1994. It features a lowly cabinet member who is catapulted into the presidency when every other person in the government is killed in a terror attack. At first glance, it seems like a good premise for a drama, but it quickly turned into a Liberal Socialist anti-white propaganda feast instead.
    It became very clear in the second episode, when the White House speech writer, "a man of color" but not black, (he's Indian) was harassed by DC Police for walking down the street with a gym bag. Naturally, the cops were white guys and we all KNOW that white cops are all racists, bigots and homophobes. The premise of the show, that all whites are bigots and want to attack "people of color", in this case MUSLIMS, is absurd! Also, almost every person in the congress is dead after the terror attack and one would think that Sutherland should call are the families of the dead victims, but NO! Instead he must call and give condolences to the parents of the Muslim teen beaten to death by the Police. More liberal crap!
    This is a very disappointing show, but it fits well with the Hollywood Liberal Socialist anti-white propaganda. It seems like there are less than a handful of shows now that dare to depict things as they actually are. This is NOT one of them. Stay clear of this crap!    … Expand
  25. Kazzazaninja
    Mar 13, 2017
    2
    Too much propaganda ruined what could have been one of the best political thrillers ever made.

    What starts off as an incredible premise with fast paced political thrill, quickly turns into a leftist democrat propaganda series. Lets go over a few things here: - Apparently the biggest priority for the government and the new President after being effectively wiped out is to combat    Too much propaganda ruined what could have been one of the best political thrillers ever made.

    What starts off as an incredible premise with fast paced political thrill, quickly turns into a leftist democrat propaganda series.

    Lets go over a few things here:
    - Apparently the biggest priority for the government and the new President after being effectively wiped out is to combat racism and let in syrian refugees. No kidding entire episodes are spent on these topics.

    - the show spends a significant amount of time talking about tolerance, racism, islamophobia and accepting syrian refugees, not focusing at the actual crisis going on.

    - There are so many scenes that act out as debates between pro refugee and pro islam view points vs what they show as racist white nationalists (portaryed by republican governors)
    - Republicans are shown as racists while democrats shown as tolerant

    - The extreme focus on democrat liberal agenda turns this show from a political thriller to a propaganda piece, real shame.

    - Terrorists have a sob story to create sympathy about why they commit these acrs,

    - FBI are shown as weak in the interrogation room not being tough and bending over. This is because the show spends alot of time lecturing us about how enhanced interrogation doesnt work.

    - Sutherland has a very inconsistent personality, sometime we see his tough no nonsense attitude then he retreats to being a wuss coward especially if its something politically correct.

    - State of Michigan is shown as a racist state which beas up Muslims, i bet this was punishment for them for voting Trump.

    Overall this show is completely opposite of what 24 was, that show was about Americana, patriotism and toughness this one is all about political correctness ..times have really changed.    … Expand
  26. Catchy
    Dec 1, 2016
    0
    I'm trying to like this series, because its Kiefer Sutherland and all, king of drama and action series, BUT the core of the story is illogical. One thing which is important in a drama-thriller is a good story.....

    Tom Kirkman (played by Kiefer Sutherland) said he didn't want to be president, why does he keep being president when there's obviously people wanting him to step down. Why    I'm trying to like this series, because its Kiefer Sutherland and all, king of drama and action series, BUT the core of the story is illogical. One thing which is important in a drama-thriller is a good story.....

    Tom Kirkman (played by Kiefer Sutherland) said he didn't want to be president, why does he keep being president when there's obviously people wanting him to step down. Why doesn't Tom Kirkman just give the lead to someone else, they seem to more eager, motivated and more competent, and he doesn't even want the presidency anyway!    … Expand
  27. noticesthings
    May 30, 2017
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Generally enjoy the series but hope there'll be fewer continuity issues i.e. how did the silver case get from the car crash into Lloyd's hands? Stuff like that...… Expand
  28. Broyax
    Dec 29, 2016
    1
    J'aime bien Kiefer Sutherland, un acteur éminemment sympathique et très capable même si je ne me doutais pas qu'il approchait si vite des cinquante balais. L'acteur est en effet la seule bouée de sauvetage à laquelle on pourrait en dernier recours tenter de s'accrocher afin de ne pas couler en même temps que ce "naufrage" du petit écran à tous les égards. Maggie Q accuse le poids des ans,J'aime bien Kiefer Sutherland, un acteur éminemment sympathique et très capable même si je ne me doutais pas qu'il approchait si vite des cinquante balais. L'acteur est en effet la seule bouée de sauvetage à laquelle on pourrait en dernier recours tenter de s'accrocher afin de ne pas couler en même temps que ce "naufrage" du petit écran à tous les égards. Maggie Q accuse le poids des ans, elle aussi mais à l'instar de son "Nikita", on ne veut surtout pas la revoir (oui, elle est naze).

    De façon surprenante, la série parvient -malgré un idée de départ séduisante- à nous ennuyer en moins de 10 mn voire un petit quart d'heure... puis tout le premier épisode qui constitue le "pilote" et devrait au moins se réveiller et se bouger le cul un minimum ne fait que confirmer l'ennui colossal, grand comme une montagne.

    L'ennui vient de la mise en scène d'une banalité affligeante, l'ennui vient également de l'écriture même de la série, très pauvre et sans éclat. C'est en effet terne, extrêmement terne, banal, vu et revu, bourré de clichés, le tout... tout au premier degré évidemment. Tellement générique qu'on ose même pas en rire ni en ricaner, même au troisième degré ! parce que ça ne vaut même pas un ricanement, celui qu'on accorderait de bonne grâce pour sa gamelle à un navet déjà périmé.

    Et dire qu'il n'y a -pourtant !- que 10 épisodes dans cette première saison... et que dès le premier, c'est tout raté de la cave au grenier. Ils sont vraiment pas doués.    … Expand
  29. Trueblood
    Dec 2, 2016
    1
    The show is pretty good, but the lead actor who plays president is really depressing, his character seems to be a ball less dim wit, if there was a different lead I may watch this
  30. dcssteve
    Apr 23, 2018
    1
    This series is really struggling. It is so unrealistic and has such unimaginative writing. I marvel at the staff of one who is the know all computer wizard who handles all security treats (is their and FBI and CIA?). Then there is Agent Hannah Wells, superwoman, who is almost the entire secret service agency. Now she also flies to Kunami to join special forces operations. Oh my....This series is really struggling. It is so unrealistic and has such unimaginative writing. I marvel at the staff of one who is the know all computer wizard who handles all security treats (is their and FBI and CIA?). Then there is Agent Hannah Wells, superwoman, who is almost the entire secret service agency. Now she also flies to Kunami to join special forces operations. Oh my.... Sometimes I think there is a budget crunch where they cannot hire other actors to play parts that should not be filled by the main charactors.. This is a typical Hollywood, poorly thought out series. Did they ever watch West Wing? Please cancel this series and put it out of its misery.… Expand
  31. troubador
    Apr 6, 2018
    0
    This show is a horrendously bad star vehicle for Maggie Q. The premise of the show is to follow FBI Agent Wells as she tries to solve a conspiracy to bring down the US Government. Kiefer Sutherland stars as President of the United States, in a failed attempt to shake the shackles of being typecast as Jack Bauer, his performance adds little more than window dressing.

    Designated Survivor    This show is a horrendously bad star vehicle for Maggie Q. The premise of the show is to follow FBI Agent Wells as she tries to solve a conspiracy to bring down the US Government. Kiefer Sutherland stars as President of the United States, in a failed attempt to shake the shackles of being typecast as Jack Bauer, his performance adds little more than window dressing.

    Designated Survivor would have been just about tolerable as a single season production. The lurch towards following Maggie Q in season two is stark. The dialogue is terrible, and unlikely, and the poor english accent delivered by an Australian actor who is basically supposed to be playing James Bond is so distractingly bad, it is almost a reason to continue watching. Adan Canto's christmas card list will not include his agent nor the script writers for this assignment. Kal Penn serves admirably on a sinking ship. Paulo Costanzo basically rehashes his Road Trip character in the White House. Italia Ricci does well and is probably the only person who will go on to benefit from staring in this show.    … Expand
  32. stevemcongdon
    Jun 5, 2018
    0
    Some,like myself may see this series as a follow on from 24. And they'ed by right, in spirit it's the natural evolution of that show but rather than a simple rebadging of a previously used formula, i find this to be a very credible and relatable show that piques the interest and floats very close challenging the current'y held views on the Heritage and conspiracies in the USA i HighlySome,like myself may see this series as a follow on from 24. And they'ed by right, in spirit it's the natural evolution of that show but rather than a simple rebadging of a previously used formula, i find this to be a very credible and relatable show that piques the interest and floats very close challenging the current'y held views on the Heritage and conspiracies in the USA i Highly recommend this as a must see.… Expand
  33. sbermont
    Oct 14, 2018
    1
    Designated Survivor is certainly qualified to make the he Top 10 list of "Brain Drain" shows - productions that seem perfect to watch when you are too tired to think or when you are in the mood to "veg" and experience fatuous, extremely forgettable TV. But even though a certain amount of mediocrity is expected and enjoyed; the writers could do a better job of taking their craft seriouslyDesignated Survivor is certainly qualified to make the he Top 10 list of "Brain Drain" shows - productions that seem perfect to watch when you are too tired to think or when you are in the mood to "veg" and experience fatuous, extremely forgettable TV. But even though a certain amount of mediocrity is expected and enjoyed; the writers could do a better job of taking their craft seriously and avoid the following tedious, tired, and hackneyed catch phrases:

    1/ "With all due respect"...obligatory intro phrase to any debate or insult
    2/ "We're done here" to end participation in any meeting
    3/ "Can we have the room please?"
    4/ "You didn't come here to reminisce, did you? -
    5/ "A word?" request to talk privately
    6/ "I've got nuthin" to indicate a lack of pertinent information
    7/ "We need to talk." (Possibly the #1 most overused of the list)
    8/ "...and yet, here we are." - to signify an unexpected turn of events
    9/ "knocked it out of the park" - synonymous for doing really well
    and the piece de resistance:
    10/ Keep me posted and/or I'll keep you posted

    A request to the dialogue writers assigned to shows of this caliber:
    PLEASE, at least make an attempt to pump some new blood into your chosen vernacular. I'm watching the show to relax...not to be forced into a coma.
    Oh...and as far as Sutherland's simpering/prissy/boy scout, overly-gravel-voiced presidential portrayal...He must be going for the most politically correct man in the universe award - he's sensitive; he's liberal; he's caring; he's humble (the "aw shucks" routine is really tedious); he's fashionably weak; and his shoes are weird. Oprah would love him.    … Expand
  34. NT5CC
    Oct 8, 2018
    0
    The first season while predictable was well written and interesting enough. The characters seem interesting and develop well as the storyline progresses. Unfortunately, toward the end of season 1, the president though labeled an Independent begins to show signs of a definite Left shift. Season 2 opens as a full fledged Leftist propaganda project with opposing characters and views shownThe first season while predictable was well written and interesting enough. The characters seem interesting and develop well as the storyline progresses. Unfortunately, toward the end of season 1, the president though labeled an Independent begins to show signs of a definite Left shift. Season 2 opens as a full fledged Leftist propaganda project with opposing characters and views shown as mean spirited, narrow minded and conniving. The Progressive ideals professed are presented with the usual spin and gloss while any opposing views are depicted as, well, other than desirable and certainly not fairly. Season 2 begins with the expected hot topics of gun control and immigration and trends downhill from there.
    I was initially hopeful for an interesting series but wound up completely disappointed by a lopsided propaganda piece which follows the usual talking points and fabrications.
    Wouldn't it be nice if Hollyweird could just stick to entertaining and leave the propagandizing to the PACs. They could have had a fairly entertaining and interesting story here but all they would up with is Leftist BS. MSNBC would give it high praise no doubt...    … Expand
  35. theutahartist
    Jan 22, 2019
    2
    The idea of the show is entertaining and I can allow myself to suspend my belief on much of the series. The President and his wife are likable people and that's not a bad thing, except they use it to sell the obvious political platform that the writers have. Seriously, if I want to have political policies shoved down my throat, I'll go watch the news. There was so much that the writersThe idea of the show is entertaining and I can allow myself to suspend my belief on much of the series. The President and his wife are likable people and that's not a bad thing, except they use it to sell the obvious political platform that the writers have. Seriously, if I want to have political policies shoved down my throat, I'll go watch the news. There was so much that the writers could've done with the show to keep my attention but, instead, I've done so much eye-rolling with their obvious agendas that I'm getting a headache.… Expand
  36. n8rush
    Apr 10, 2019
    3
    I just started to watch this show on Netflix, loved 24 and saw this as a potential spiritual successor. The first few episodes were great, I was hooked, but then it lost me.

    The reason why? PROPAGANDA The show claims Kirkman to be an Independent able to give either party a fair shake, but that does not prevent the introduction of a sneaky Republican within the first 30 minutes of the    I just started to watch this show on Netflix, loved 24 and saw this as a potential spiritual successor. The first few episodes were great, I was hooked, but then it lost me.

    The reason why? PROPAGANDA

    The show claims Kirkman to be an Independent able to give either party a fair shake, but that does not prevent the introduction of a sneaky Republican within the first 30 minutes of the show. I thought to myself, whatever, maybe it is just this lady is a B, I can deal with that. NOPE, next few episodes we have another cooky Republican allowing for a police state to beat up on the Muslim community. Perhaps that is just what would happen if the government fell apart, maybe they will tie it together when the dust settles down... NOPE the Democratic agenda pushed throughout the show consistently repeating the same rhetoric as the protagonist clings to every word. Gun laws, immigration, Climate Change, Racism, Sexism, it's all there. Let me save you the trouble of watching the show and seeing it dwindle, Republican bad, Democrat good, Logical Independents are actually Democrats.    … Expand
  37. bcwjr
    Jun 22, 2019
    0
    Yes it is leftist propaganda. But it is presented in an assumptive way as just ordinary ideals and "normal." So if you are middle of the road or conservative you are given the opportunity to understand that something is wrong with you. Change or you may go insane enough to blow up something in Washington.
    The high spot for me was seeing Maggie Q's phone on the ford app starting her car.    Yes it is leftist propaganda. But it is presented in an assumptive way as just ordinary ideals and "normal." So if you are middle of the road or conservative you are given the opportunity to understand that something is wrong with you. Change or you may go insane enough to blow up something in Washington.
    The high spot for me was seeing Maggie Q's phone on the ford app starting her car. Now that's entertainment.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

78
#78 Best TV Season of 2016
11
#11 Most Discussed TV Season of 2016
49
#49 Most Shared TV Season of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
  1. Wall Street Journal
    Reviewed by: Dorothy Rabinowitz
    Sep 22, 2016
    50
    The problem comes in the second episode, along with a suddenly increased capacity to resist everything about Designated Survivor. Here we come up against the show’s message, or more precisely its gross political tendentiousness. ... Mr. Sutherland may not have been the best choice for the role of a virtuous milquetoast concealing a heart of steel--the milquetoast part dominates even when the steel is flashed.
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  2. Los Angeles Daily News
    Reviewed by: Rob Lowman
    Sep 21, 2016
    80
    It looks like Sutherland has another winner on his hands.
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  3. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: Jen Chaney
    Sep 21, 2016
    80
    It’s smartly made, but it also doesn’t linger terribly long on details, including character development. ... If nothing else, there is something satisfying about seeing Sutherland as our president.
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