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‘Designated Survivor’ saved by Netflix after ABC cancels series

Designated Survivor fans know to never give up hope, even when things look the darkest. They asked for the ABC show, starring Keifer Sutherland as the ‘designated survivor’ who becomes President of the United States, to be picked up by another network after cancellation and today they got the good news. Netflix has agreed to produce a 10-episode 3rd season.

Designated Survivor was originally cancelled because audiences never really developed after the show had consistency problems following multiple showrunners leaving the production. Disney/ABC cancelled the show in May.

According to a story in Deadline Hollywood, the show will return with a new showrunner and most of the core original cast. This includes Sutherland, who is also an executive producer, Kal Penn, Adan Canto and Italia Ricci. Maggie Q is in talks to join in a new role.

The third season will find President Kirkman (Sutherland) faced with new responsibilities as President, including having to run for election. It should offer plenty of opportunities to tie into issues of the day including Campaign Finance, ‘fake news’ and the balance of power on the hill.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to play President Kirkman for season 3 of ‘Designated Survivor’ with Netflix, eOne and Neal Baer,” Sutherland said in a statement. “I believe this format will allow us to continue to delve deeply into storylines and issues concerning the American electorate that were not previously possible.”

Production on the 10-episode third season is scheduled to begin shortly with the goal of being available for streaming on Netflix in 2019. ABC Studios is no longer involved in the production and seasons 1 and 2 will move from Hulu to Netflix in the US later this year.

Disney, of course, will have it’s own streaming service in 2019. I wonder if they’ll regret letting Designated Survivor move to Netflix instead of keeping it in the Mouse House.

If you’re a Designated Survivor fan are you happy to hear the show is coming back?

Hat tipDeadline

2 thoughts on “‘Designated Survivor’ saved by Netflix after ABC cancels series”

  1. I loved Designated Survivor and was so upset when ABC let it go.
    Unfortunately, I dont have Netflix or a TV that can get it even if I could afford to pay for Netflix which I can’t. Yes, I know I may be in a minority but some if us are barely hanging on. Food and bills before Netflix.

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