Netflix has confirmed a premiere date for Designated Survivor season 3. The political thriller drama series, starring Kiefer Sutherland, was resurrected by the streaming giant after being canceled after two seasons on ABC.
Designated Survivor follows Tom Kirkman (Sutherland), a low-level cabinet member who's thrust into the presidency after a terrorist attack during the State of the Union wipes out all predecessors for the office. Created by David Guggenheim, the series also stars Natascha McElhone (Kirkman’s wife for the first two seasons), Mckenna Grace, Adan Canto, Italia Ricci, Tanner Buchanan, Maggie Q, and Kal Penn. A-list guest talent has also graced the show, with recurring roles by Virginia Madsen, Kim Raver, and Michael J. Fox. After the fast-paced first two seasons following Kirkman on his professional and personal struggles trying to restore order to the country, ABC axed the show. Designated Survivor was rescued by Netflix last September. Now, anxious fans finally have a date to put on their calendars.
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According to Deadline, fans can expect to plunge back into the show on June 7, 2019. Netflix has also tacked on the first two seasons for streaming. Along with a new venue, fans can expect a slew of changes. Instead of the usual tally of episodes per season - 21 and 22 episodes in season 1 and season 2 - season 3 will only consist of 10 episodes. Designated Survivor is now in the creative hands of showrunner Neal Baer (ER, Law & Order: SVU) - the fifth showrunner the show has had since its conception. Netflix has released a recap of the first two seasons of Designated Survivor, driving further anticipation for season 3. See the video below:
In season 3, President Kirkman (Sutherland) will face the inevitable task every POTUS-centered show must face - a presidential campaign. The new season will dive into the cutthroat world of campaigning and tackle today’s issues of what that entails. After an emotionally tumultuous season 2, Kirkman is now tested with smear tactics, debates, “fake news” and campaign finances - all while keeping the face of democracy clean. Along with Canto, Ricci, Penn, and Maggie Q, series regulars will include, Anthony Edwards, Lorraine Zimmer, Dontae Edwards, and Isabel Pardo.
Designated Survivor is an example of how revival by a different network can breath new life into a series. Last Man Standing, Brooklyn-Nine Nine and Nashville found different homes after their cancellations and thrived. Along with Netflix’s reputation and Sutherland’s star power, Designated Survivor may find longevity with its new plotline. Political shows such as The West Wing, Veep and House Of Cards have tackled what the POTUS faces during a campaign - and it always raises the stakes. Only being slated for a 10-episode run, the action-packed show may leave fans desiring more, and lead to a possible renewal for season 4 of Designated Survivor.
Next: What to Expect from Designated Survivor Season 3
Source: Deadline