Designated Survivor has been saved and it's getting a third season on Netflix
Kiefer Sutherland political drama will return in 2019
Last updated 7th Sep 2018
Months after ABC canceled Designated Survivor, there is some good news for fans of the political thriller - as Netflix announced on Thursday that it has picked up the show for a third season.
The popular streaming service has ordered 10 episodes which stars Kiefer Sutherland as the president of the United States.
The core cast of the series, including Sutherland, Kal Penn, Adan Canto and Italia Ricci, are set to return, with Maggie Q in talks to join them. Production on Season 3 is set to begin later this year for a 2019 premiere.
Netflix released the synopsis for the upcoming third season as follows, via Entertainment Weekly.
“President Kirkman will face a political reality… campaigning. What does it take to make a leader? What price will he be willing to pay? This season will explore today’s world of campaigning, smear tactics, debates, campaign finance, and ‘fake news.’ Democracy, as we know it, will hang in the balance.
Netflix’s Bela Bajaria credits the international audience for being instrumental in saving Designated Survivor, via Deadline.
“The international audience for the show drove our interest to bring the show to the world as a Netflix original for its third season and we are excited to bring the first 2 seasons to our US and Canadian members as well.
Designated Survivor tells the story of Tom Kirkman, a lower-level cabinet member in the US government who suddenly finds himself promoted to President.
The political drama could go a long way toward replacing House of Cards which airs their sixth and final season next month.
The show's third season will focus on Kirkman's re-election bid and will tackle smear campaigns and fake news.