ParadiseandZero Daymight be two of the biggest new shows on television, and part of that has to do with their respective premises.Paradise, originally billed as a murder mystery revolving around Secret Service agent Xavier Collins (Sterling K. Brown), took a sharp turn with its reveal that the events of the series take place afterthe end of the world.Zero Dayfeatures a former president (Robert de Niro) dealing with the fallout of a cyberterrorist attack meant to topple the government. Both shows are also notable for having an ensemble cast packed with talent, leading to different dynamics between characters. WithParadisejust finishing up its first season this week andZero Daydropping its entire run, fans of one or both shows areprobably looking for a show that fits a similar mold, and that’s whereDesignated Survivorcomes in.
Designated Survivortakes its name and premise from the concept of the “designated survivor”: a person in the presidential line of succession who’s kept in a safe position during events where the majority of the government is gathered together, on the off chance something catastrophic happens. In the case ofKiefer Sutherland’s Thomas Kirkman, he is named the designated survivor during the President’s State of the Union speech…and becomes President when an explosion claims the lives of most of the government.Designated Survivorwas an immediate standout due to Sutherland’s presence, and the approach it took to its high-concept pitch.
‘Designated Survivor’ Showed Off Kiefer Sutherland’s Range
Designated Survivormarked somewhat of a turning point for Sutherland; up until that point, TV audiences knew him as hardened counterterrorism agent Jack Bauer, thanks to the success of24. In contrast,Designated Survivorportrays Kirkman as a pacifist who admits he’s never hit anyone, and who was underestimated due to his role as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. He’s even shown sporting a pair of glasses, something Jack Bauer would never be seen in.
That being said,Sutherland knows when to be compassionate and when to be ruthlessplaying Kirkman. The compassionate moments come mostly with his family, particularly his wife Alex (Natascha McElhonne) and kids Penny (McKenna Grace) and Leo (Tanner Buchanan). The tough moments show in the pilot, with a standout scenefeaturing Kirkman in discussion with an Iranian ambassador. Kirkman lets the ambassador know in no uncertain terms that he knows the Iranian military has destroyers in U.S. territory, and that they can either retreat or risk starting a war. It was a bold statement for a man who had just become President, but it was an example of the balancing act that Sutherland would have to perform acrossDesignated Survivor’srun.
Political Drama and Murder Mysteries Drive ’Designated Survivor’s Narrative
Prior toDesignated Survivor’s premiere, producerJon Harmon Feldmanhada unique way of describing the series: “There is aWest Wingcomponent of a man and his team governing our nation in this time. There’s also theHomelandaspect of an investigation and the conspiracy. And it’s also got aHouse of Cardscomponent, which is the characters and the business of government through the eyes of these characters and political dealings and dealmakers.” True to Feldman’s words,Designated Survivorfeaturesmultiple plotlines that often converge with each other, particularly in the first season.
While Kirkman and his cabinet attempt to lead the nation, his family and cabinet members have their own private lives to deal with. Meanwhile, FBI agent Hannah Wells (Maggie Q) starts investigating the State of the Union bombing, uncovering a massive conspiracy in the process. The political elements were rooted in real-world concerns thanks toKal Penn, who, in addition to playing White House communications director Seth Wright actuallyworkedin the White House at the time — making his consulting credit worthwhile. Wells' plotline is extremely compelling, blending action with a slowly unfolding mystery that impacts future seasons.
This mix of elements ledDesignated Survivorto be a massive hit with critics and audiences. Not only was its first seasonone of the biggest premieres in ABC’s history, but many praised the show’s cast, particularly Sutherland. It’s a miracle thatDesignated Survivortook off like it did, considering the behind-the-scenes turmoil: the series went through a staggering total offiveshowrunners, and production was made difficult due to series creatorDavid Guggenheimresiding in New York while production took place in Toronto. These factors, combined with declining ratings in Season 2,led ABC to cancelDesignated Survivor. However, the show would get to complete its run thanks to an unlikely savior: Netflix.
‘Designated Survivor’ Got a Third Season Thanks to Netflix — and a Remake
Though Netflix was starting to pick up steam with its original series likeStranger Things, it was best known in the late 2010’s as “the savior of TV.” Cancelled TV shows likeLucifer,Star Wars: The Clone WarsandArrested Developmentfound new life on the streamer, andDesignated Survivorwouldfollow in their footsteps. Season 3 had a new showrunner inNeal Baer, a new challenge for Kirkman in the form of a presidential campaign, and a new threat involving a global virus. But, unlike previous episodes,the reception was mixed due to most of the cast being written off or killed off. The most egregious examples areLaMonica Garrett, who played Secret Service agent Mike Ritter, and Maggie Q’s Hannah Wells. Ritter simply vanished from the narrative, while Wells was killed when investigating the virus — a far cry from her Season 1 crusade.
Season 3 ofDesignated Survivorwould be the show’s last, but its legacy continues with the South Korean remakeDesignated Survivor: 60 Days.60 Days, much like its inspiration, finds Park Mu-jin (Ji Jin-hee) becoming South Korea’s president in the wake of a terrorist attack, though it only lasted a single season. Despite its ups and downs,Designated Survivorlaid the foundationfor shows likeParadiseandZero Dayto take off.
Designated Survivoris available to stream on Netflix.
Designated Survivor
