It seems like, one way or another, we haven’t seen the last of President Tom Kirkman.
Designated Survivor has been rescued by Netflix after being axed by ABC, with the streaming giant ordering a 10-episode Season 3, and we’re not exactly sure if we should be thrilled or …worried?
Neal Baer (Law & Order: SVU, Under the Dome) has taken over show-runner duties, the fourth show-runner the show has had in two years, which we will admit is part of what makes us worried. The show, which debuted on a very high note, became stale and boring in Season 2, as they struggled to define what kind of product they wanted to put forward.
Maybe Season 3 and Netflix will afford them the opportunity to find their way – but other shows, better shows, haven’t been afforded the same luxury, so forgive us if we’re just a tad bitter about this.
During the Season 2 finale, President Kirkman announced a bid for re-election, to the surprise of everyone. According to Netflix, in Season 3, Kirkman “will face a political reality — campaigning,” “What does it take to make a leader? What price will he be willing to pay? Democracy, as we know it, will hang in the balance,” the description supplied by Netflix continues. The new season is also set to explore “today’s world of campaigning, smear tactics, debates, campaign finance and ‘fake news.’”
Kiefer Sutherland released a statement, which read: “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to play President Kirkman for Season 3 of Designated Survivor on Netflix… 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.”
EP Mark Gordon had this to add: “The continuation of the show via Netflix is a win-win for all involved. The story of President Kirkman and those around him has not been fully told and we look forward to working with our new partner in continuing the show for a global audience.”
Designated Survivor is expected to return sometime in 2019.
