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Designated Survivor
RELEASED·SERIES·EN

Designated Survivor

Wed, Sep 21, 2016
  • Drama
  • War & Politics
Series · Synopsis

Synopsis

Tom Kirkman, a low-level cabinet member is suddenly appointed President of the United States after a catastrophic attack during the State of the Union kills everyone above him in the Presidential line of succession.

Trailer

Watch the trailer

Where to watch

Streaming on

  • Netflix↗
  • Netflix Standard with Ads↗
Cast

Top of the call sheet

  • Kiefer Sutherland
    Kiefer Sutherland
    as Tom Kirkman
  • Maggie Q
    Maggie Q
    as Hannah Wells
  • Kal Penn
    Kal Penn
    as Seth Wright
  • Adan Canto
    Adan Canto
    as Aaron Shore
  • Italia Ricci
    Italia Ricci
    as Emily Rhodes
  • Emiliano Díez
    Emiliano Díez
    as Président Ortega
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Episodes

3 seasons · 53 episodes

Ended · 53 aired
Season 1
21 episodes · 21 aired
▾
  • E1
    Pilot
    Aired · Thu, Sep 22, 2016 · 60m

    Tom Kirkman, a lower-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.

  • E2
    The First Day
    Aired · Thu, Sep 29, 2016 · 60m

    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, Kirkman struggles to hold a country together that is on the brink of falling apart.

  • E3
    The Confession
    Aired · Thu, Oct 6, 2016 · 60m

    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 theories about who was really behind the attack.

  • E4
    The Enemy
    Aired · Thu, Oct 13, 2016 · 60m

    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.

  • E5
    The Mission
    Aired · Thu, Oct 27, 2016 · 60m

    Realizing his attempts at diplomacy with Algeria have failed, President Kirkman makes the difficult decision of sending 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.

  • E6
    The Interrogation
    Aired · Thu, Nov 10, 2016 · 60m

    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.

  • E7
    The Traitor
    Aired · Thu, Nov 17, 2016 · 60m

    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.

  • E8
    The Results
    Aired · Thu, Dec 1, 2016 · 60m

    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 has leaked about Majid Nassar's death, and Kirkman has to handle the fallout.

  • E9
    The Blueprint
    Aired · Thu, Dec 8, 2016 · 60m

    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 and are behind even his reach. Meanwhile, Agent Hannah Wells races furiously to gather evidence of MacLeish's involvement in the conspiracy before he can be confirmed as the country's next Vice President.

  • E10
    The Oath
    Aired · Thu, Dec 15, 2016 · 60m

    President Kirkman fears there could be a traitor in the White House when he discovers shocking information connected to the Capitol Bombing. Confiding in Emily, Kirkman puts her in charge of quietly investigating. Meanwhile, new information surfaces about Congressman MacLeish, raising concerns regarding his vice presidential nomination.

  • E11
    Warriors
    Aired · Thu, Mar 9, 2017 · 60m

    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.

  • E12
    The End of the Beginning
    Aired · Thu, Mar 16, 2017 · 60m

    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.

  • E13
    Backfire
    Aired · Thu, Mar 23, 2017 · 60m

    An investigative 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.

  • E14
    Commander-in-Chief
    Aired · Thu, Mar 30, 2017 · 60m

    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 while Aaron has to make a difficult choice.

  • E15
    One Hundred Days
    Aired · Thu, Apr 6, 2017 · 60m

    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.

  • E16
    Party Lines
    Aired · Thu, Apr 13, 2017 · 60m

    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.

  • E17
    The Ninth Seat
    Aired · Thu, Apr 20, 2017 · 60m

    President Kirkman struggles to put together a new Supreme Court; FBI Agent Hannah Wells goes undercover; Seth contends with journalist Abe Leonard, who returns from the Middle East with an explosive story.

  • E18
    Lazarus
    Aired · Thu, Apr 27, 2017 · 60m

    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.

  • E19
    Misalliance
    Aired · Thu, May 4, 2017 · 60m

    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.

  • E20
    Bombshell
    Aired · Thu, May 11, 2017 · 60m

    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.

  • E21
    Brace for Impact
    Aired · Thu, May 18, 2017 · 60m

    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.

Season 2
22 episodes · 22 aired
▾
  • E1
    One Year In
    Aired · Thu, Sep 28, 2017 · 60m

    Now, one year into office, Kirkman is a Commander-in-Chief determined to rebuild the Capitol and capture the terrorists behind the catastrophic attack on the United States. When Ukrainian nationalists hijack a Russian Air flight, the president is faced with a hostage situation in which his diplomatic skills are put to the test.

  • E2
    Sting of the Tail
    Aired · Thu, Oct 5, 2017 · 60m

    FBI Agent Hannah Wells finally closes in on Patrick Lloyd, but when the president decides to take action during the White House Correspondents Dinner, members of the Homeland Security Council threaten to derail their plans.

  • E3
    Outbreak
    Aired · Thu, Oct 12, 2017 · 60m

    President Kirkman is faced with a viral pandemic that threatens to kill countless Americans while FBI Agent Hannah Wells and M16 Agent Damian Rennett discover evidence that could change the lives of members of the first family forever.

  • E4
    Equilibrium
    Aired · Thu, Oct 19, 2017 · 60m

    Tensions rise between America and Mexico when a Mexican citizen is shot during a border dispute regarding Mexican trade imports; and Kirkman and his staff must work quickly to resolve the situation and create a new trade deal.

  • E5
    Suckers
    Aired · Thu, Oct 26, 2017 · 60m

    When a senator appears on the national news and misrepresents a private conversation with the president, Kirkman must win back the American people's trust, while MI-6 Agent Damian Rennett joins forces with FBI Agent Hannah Wells to help solve an international murder.

  • E6
    Two Ships
    Aired · Thu, Nov 2, 2017 · 60m

    When a U.S. Navy ship containing secret surveillance becomes stranded in enemy waters, President Kirkman must negotiate the crew and ship's release. If captured, the technology on board would create a massive threat to national security. Meanwhile. Chief of Staff Emily Rhodes reconnects with someone from her childhood.

  • E7
    Family Ties
    Aired · Thu, Nov 16, 2017 · 60m

    When a Turkish activist ignites protests in the U.S., Turkey's president demands his extradition while the first family unknowingly finds themselves in the center of a battle that could threaten Leo's future.

  • E8
    Home
    Aired · Thu, Nov 30, 2017 · 60m

    While on a secret mission to Afghanistan, President Kirkman meets with two infamous warlords and must determine whom he can trust to hand over territories to the United States, while Seth has a run-in with Washington D.C. police that puts his job, reputation and future in the White House on the line.

  • E9
    Three-Letter Day
    Aired · Thu, Dec 7, 2017 · 60m

    After sorting through thousands of letters all requesting something of president, the White House staff are assigned three, with Emily, Seth, Aaron, Llyor and Kendra joining forces to get answers and possibly save a life. Meanwhile, Hannah and Damian continue to chase down leads to exonerate the first lady, but in the end, Hannah learns the truth may be closer than she thinks.

  • E10
    Line of Fire
    Aired · Thu, Dec 14, 2017 · 60m

    It's Christmas Day and President Kirkman is alerted to a group of religious extremists who refuse to evacuate when a forest fire threatens to engulf their cabin. Deploying Emily and Aaron to help diffuse the situation, Kirkman must act quickly to save multiple lives at stake. Meanwhile, the First Lady finally gives her testimony to the FBI director, while what happens next changes the lives of the Kirkman family forever.

  • E11
    Grief
    Aired · Thu, Mar 1, 2018 · 60m

    It's been ten weeks since his wife, Alex, was killed in a car accident; and President Kirkman's senior staff insist he seek professional help in dealing with his loss, forcing him to reluctantly see therapist Dr. Adam Louden. Meanwhile, FBI Agent Hannah Wells and Aaron Shore travel to Cuba as part of a trade delegation, but the trip does not go according to plan. With lives in the balance, Kirkman is challenged with a decision that will test his role as commander in chief during this time of personal tragedy.

  • E12
    The Final Frontier
    Aired · Thu, Mar 8, 2018 · 60m

    When a missile intended to bring water to stranded astronauts in space is hacked, President Kirkman must work with Russia and enlists the help of Dr. Andrea Frost to help save lives and find out who is behind the hack. Meanwhile, Hannah finds herself working with Damian again.

  • E13
    Original Sin
    Aired · Thu, Mar 15, 2018 · 60m

    When a video of the president visiting prison leaks to the media, his team works to minimize the fallout; while a surprise White House demonstration has deeper ties to the president than anyone first realizes.

  • E14
    In the Dark
    Aired · Thu, Mar 22, 2018 · 60m

    When a blackout threatens to shut down the government and causes chaos in the streets of Washington, D.C., President Kirkman joins forces with Mayor Ellenor Darby, but the partnership doesn't end there.

  • E15
    Summit
    Aired · Thu, Mar 29, 2018 · 60m

    As tensions between East and West Hanchu escalate, President Kirkman travels to Camp David to broker a peace treaty with the leaders of those countries; while back in Washington, D.C., Seth and Emily take a hard look at their relationship and decide how, and if, they will move forward as a couple.

  • E16
    Fallout
    Aired · Thu, Apr 5, 2018 · 60m

    President Kirkman and his staff have credible intelligence that a dirty bomb is on U.S. soil, thrusting the president into a high-stakes effort to find the bomb and stop it from detonating. Meanwhile, at the White House, Emily approaches Chuck to help her with something that has damaging and illegal consequences.

  • E17
    Overkill
    Aired · Thu, Apr 12, 2018 · 60m

    Following the deadly bomb explosion inside a D.C. metro station, President Kirkman declares war on Kunami. When the emir of that country sends his ambassador to negotiate, FBI Agent Hannah Wells learns the emir is hiding something that could have deadly consequences.

  • E18
    Kirkman Agonistes
    Aired · Thu, Apr 19, 2018 · 60m

    As more content from President Kirkman's confidential therapy sessions continues to leak out, Vice President Darby meets secretly with the entire Cabinet, resulting in attorney Ethan West looking into the president's past – while playing a large role in his future as commander in chief.

  • E19
    Capacity
    Aired · Thu, Apr 26, 2018 · 60m

    Attorney Ethan West calls on President Kirkman's closest advisors and staff as he begins his investigation.

  • E20
    Bad Reception
    Aired · Thu, May 3, 2018 · 60m

    President Kirkman negotiates with a foreign government to release an American held overseas, while attorney Ethan West continues his investigation.

  • E21
    Target
    Aired · Thu, May 10, 2018 · 60m

    White House Council Kendra Daynes finds herself in a dangerous situation that puts another White House staffer's life at risk, while Hannah Wells takes an unexpected trip for answers.

  • E22
    Run
    Aired · Thu, May 17, 2018 · 60m

    As President Kirkman continues to deal with the turmoil surrounding the hacker and congressional investigation, a natural disaster threatens the lives of two White House staffers. Meanwhile, Kirkman's closest allies are surprised when the president makes an announcement no one saw coming.

Season 3
10 episodes · 10 aired
▾
  • E1
    #thesystemisbroken
    Aired · Fri, Jun 7, 2019 · 50m

    Now running for office for the first time, Kirkman and his nascent campaign stumble out of the gate. Wells gets a critical reassignment.

  • E2
    #slipperyslope
    Aired · Fri, Jun 7, 2019 · 49m

    A heated debate over child marriage roils Kirkman's staff. Opioid addiction hits home for Mars. A biohacker turns Wells onto a chilling new threat.

  • E3
    #privacyplease
    Aired · Fri, Jun 7, 2019 · 47m

    A political attack on Kirkman puts privacy and transgender rights in the spotlight. Aaron weighs a major decision. Wells and Eli track a bioterrorist.

  • E4
    #makehistory
    Aired · Fri, Jun 7, 2019 · 51m

    Aaron's heritage and a widespread teachers' strike become polarizing issues, and Wells discovers a sinister pattern in a flu outbreak.

  • E5
    #nothingpersonal
    Aired · Fri, Jun 7, 2019 · 51m

    Emotions run high after despicable fake news goes viral, Isabel makes waves with a controversial appeal, and Wells finds a clue pointing to conspiracy.

  • E6
    #whocares
    Aired · Fri, Jun 7, 2019 · 51m

    A dying Guatemalan child in a Texas hospital brings immigration to the fore. A mugging opens Kirkman's eyes to the realities of life in the capital.

  • E7
    #identity/crisis
    Aired · Fri, Jun 7, 2019 · 52m

    A stray Russian bomber jeopardizes Seattle, Mars crusades against a drug company, and an event from Aaron's childhood vexes Kirkman's campaign.

  • E8
    #scaredsh*tless
    Aired · Fri, Jun 7, 2019 · 51m

    Kirkman mobilizes a frantic hunt for the bioterrorist. Lorraine plays hardball and pushes the opioid epidemic into the campaign fray.

  • E9
    #undecided
    Aired · Fri, Jun 7, 2019 · 47m

    Trailing in the polls, Kirkman weighs forcing the FBI's hand over the bioterrorism plot. Emily struggles with her mother's final wishes.

  • E10
    #truthorconsequences
    Aired · Fri, Jun 7, 2019 · 53m

    On election day, Kirkman turns to his therapist to assuage his conscience about the events -- and his own decisions -- of the momentous prior 36 hours.