ABC’s adds Designated Survivor, starring Kiefer Sutherland, to fall schedule

For the yearly State of the Union address all the nation’s leadership is gathered in the Capital building. However, one cabinet member is held back to be the designated survivor in case catastrophe happens. A new fall drama from ABC imagines the worst has happened and the designated survivor has to ensure the continued survival of the United States.

The show marks Keifer Sutherland’s return to primetime TV. Sutherland stars as Tom Kirkman, a lower level cabinet member who is thrust into the role of President after an attack on Washington kills the President and the rest of he cabinet. With the country, and his own family, threatening to fall apart, Kirkman will have to gather staff, a new cabinet, and ensure the continued survival of the country.

Natasha McElhone, Maggie Q, Kal Penn, Italia Ricci, Adan Canto, LaMonica Garrett and Tanner Buchanan are also a part of the cast. Penn plays a speech writer, a role he once had for real at the White House, he also serves as consultant on the show. The Show Runner will be Jon Feldman (Blood and Oil, Dirty Sexy Money).

Hollywood sites claim that the pilot was strong enough to place it atop all ABC dramas up for consideration this fall. I have to admit it’s a cool premise, one that hasn’t really been explored in popular media. So the potential is pretty high for the series.

What do you think? Will you be tuning in?