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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User Reviews

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  1. Maxx71
    Jul 29, 2019
    4
    An interesting idea supported by stiff acting and sub-par dialogue. The characters are obvious and one dimensional.
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. wy1Kk1r7sUKl
    Dec 2, 2018
    6
    It's a decent show. But every episode tries to wrap in the issues du jour. And it deals with most of them in the most cursory of ways. It's bad writing. Also, at times Keifer Sutherland's voice gets on my nerves.
  6. Othrandur
    Oct 24, 2018
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I have enjoyed Kiefer Sutherland in many of his roles, but in "Designated Survivor", he falls flat. Since he has been good elsewhere, I can only assume that this is due to bad writing and direction. And the writing and direction are horrendous! The dialogue feels like it was written by someone who wasn't good enough to write for a daytime soap opera and the directors render it in much the same way as a soap opera would, with exaggerated facial expressions and ostentatious dramatic pauses that foretell an impending commercial.

    The plots are naive to the point of stupidity, such as when government lawyers figure out a "clever" way to get around the Posse Comitatus Act at the last minute by having the FBI perform an action instead of the army. Doh! John Goodman was once in a comedy, "King Ralph", where he became the king of England because the royal family got electrocuted while taking a family photo. That comedy had a more solid plot than "Designated Survivor".

    Given the subject and setting, it's hard not to make comparisons with "The West Wing" and "Designated Survivor" loses spectacularly in every possible aspect. Where "The West Wing" trusted the viewers to be intelligent, "Designated Survivor" is written with the expectation that the viewers are complete morons.

    Character development and portrayal is on the same, low level as the writing and direction. The Tom Kirkman character is downright boring, especially when he opens his mouth. His attempts at motivation are reason enough for people to want to shoot him. The ineptitude of the writers make him sound illiterate, despite their failed attempts at making him seem eloquent. Kal Penn, who is very capable, clearly tries to make something positive from the pathetic lines he's given, but can't overcome the mediocrity of the writing staff. At least, he delivers the platitudes well. Maggie Q has moments where you can see that she has talent, but the writers and directors do a good job to bury that and turn her Hannah Wells character into an incoherent mess of clichés.

    To summarize, this show is like a daytime soap opera that is written by people who master neither politics nor the English language. I'm generous to give this show a 4.    … Expand
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. SrPepe
    Jul 8, 2018
    8
    Una trama muy muy interesante con un protagonista con una gran personalidad encargado de dirigir al país más poderoso del mundo.
  10. Spaniardunited
    Jun 21, 2018
    10
    Baldwin couldn't do it, Ford was ok, Affleck couldn't do it, Pine couldn't do it ... not until Sutherland do we finally get the Jack Ryan we deserve, and it's not even Jack Ryan. DS feels like the reimagining of Debt of Honor and Executive Orders, and I for one am loving it. Different strokes for different folks, but I just can't agree with the bad reviews ... I like the story, theBaldwin couldn't do it, Ford was ok, Affleck couldn't do it, Pine couldn't do it ... not until Sutherland do we finally get the Jack Ryan we deserve, and it's not even Jack Ryan. DS feels like the reimagining of Debt of Honor and Executive Orders, and I for one am loving it. Different strokes for different folks, but I just can't agree with the bad reviews ... I like the story, the execution, the cast, and especially Kiefer.

    Maybe the negative reviewers are Spacey fans? Dunno, but I would absolutely recommend this show.    … Expand
  11. 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
  12. calumnias
    May 20, 2018
    3
    It's like 24 and The West Wing had a retarded child. Interesting starting point, but pretty bad execution.
  13. BioTofu
    May 8, 2018
    4
    I honestly thought the first half of the season was pretty good with much promises. some of those politicians openly rebelled against the central government didnt make much sense to me... but then it went full 24 with conspiracies mode with spies in every level of the government... jack bauer took over the show basically.
  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. 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
  16. 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
  17. ShaMana
    Mar 29, 2018
    4
    Started fairly promising, political intrigue, a mystery and a conspiracy which all wen't nowhere! At this point the show is "I love him and she isn't sure" and "AMERICA HELL YEAH" we solve everything with a mediocre motivational speech. I'm out
  18. section20mi6
    Feb 12, 2018
    7
    Despite a immensely well-paced first episode, Designated Survivor falls short when procedural method kicks in with later episodes. However overall story line took a turn after mid-season when focus shifted more to the conspiracy with several surprising deaths. In general, season 1 proves to be an adequate political drama on a budget.
  19. nielsnable
    Jan 10, 2018
    8
    Designated Survivor is an easy-to-watch, fast-paced drama that marries effectively the espionage elements of Homeland and the exciting politics of House Cards while keeping its original premise intact and thrilling. While it certainly keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout its 21 episodes (I myself watched the first half in one day because it is just surprisingly bingeable), you mayDesignated Survivor is an easy-to-watch, fast-paced drama that marries effectively the espionage elements of Homeland and the exciting politics of House Cards while keeping its original premise intact and thrilling. While it certainly keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout its 21 episodes (I myself watched the first half in one day because it is just surprisingly bingeable), you may often find the show too familiar and derivative. And they also badly need to replace their scriptwriters.… Expand
  20. HARBAD
    Nov 13, 2017
    9
    in episode 5 "idiot" President Kirkman gets into a mess, since an old friend, besides a politician, tries to take advantage of decontextualizing the commentary, where the president calls the Americans an idiot, nevertheless, his tenacity and determination manage to return the direction to comments and take advantage of this error, in my opinion, although the series has kept me since itsin episode 5 "idiot" President Kirkman gets into a mess, since an old friend, besides a politician, tries to take advantage of decontextualizing the commentary, where the president calls the Americans an idiot, nevertheless, his tenacity and determination manage to return the direction to comments and take advantage of this error, in my opinion, although the series has kept me since its inception and this in its second season has slight signs of being more interesting, intrigues and power struggles do not seem to do nick in the figure of the president who happened to be an irreproachable architect to handle the threads of power of the most powerful nation in the world for a fortuitous matter, although in some aspects the series is loose of arguments, unlike house of cards, they teach like the good thing that a politician must have and that if there can be people like that in the future.… Expand
  21. trash-46645
    Nov 9, 2017
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The show started off okay but steadily turned worse as you go through the plot. It might have been a good 2h spy-thriller movie if handled a bit differently I guess but it does not work very well as a series. I guess it has to do with the shows premise which sounds good on paper but when you actually see it just turns out dull after a while. But it gets worse. I managed to get to 18th episode and by that time it turned from dull to dumb, which is much worse. I expected to get some interesting conspiracy or perhaps some foreign power that was behind the attack, not a bunch of fascist rednecks. The show completely lost me at that point and I have no interest in watching more.… Expand
  22. kingjay
    Oct 27, 2017
    4
    The show started nicely in season 1 but has become a downwards spiraling trainwreck since. Poison attack! Politician shot! Every episode needs another crisis. And an the other hand some really awful 'humor' with Lyor. It's really, really, really bad.
  23. MovieNerd_EP
    Oct 24, 2017
    8
    Designated Survivor has a fascinating premiss, a standout performance by Kiefer Sutherland, a solid supporting cast, good writing and a plot that keeps you hooked. It does have some dull moments, but they are rare in a series that generally keeps the pace going very well.
  24. Cromm
    Oct 17, 2017
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Oh dear, what has happened? Series one was fun and momentum-fuelled. Series two attempts to ramp up the West Wing / House of Cards pretensions and fails, whilst maintaining the investigative threads as a sideshow and introducing overblown episodic scenarios (the airline hostage situation, for example) that have crass personal connections levered in with no subtlety. The super-baddy is reduced to a whining sociopath within 2 episodes and the scripts need some serious work. Clumsy attempts to generate "will-they-won't-they" in the White House, or the mock-friction between the guys in the investigative team left me laughing rather than intrigued. Oh dear, this series is going down the pan.… Expand
  25. 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.
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. 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.
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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.
    Read full review
  2. Los Angeles Daily News
    Reviewed by: Rob Lowman
    Sep 21, 2016
    80
    It looks like Sutherland has another winner on his hands.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
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