Plot Synopsis

Tom Kirkman, a lower-level cabinet member, is suddenly appointed President of the United States after a catastrophic attack on the U.S. Capitol during the State of the Union. Hours after the attack on the Capitol, President Kirkman steps into his role as Commander-in-Chief in the midst of chaos and confusion. Facing dangerous new challenges and adversaries, Kirkman struggles to keep the country and his own family from falling apart -- all while navigating the highly volatile political arena and while leading the search to find who is responsible for the attack.

Season 2 of DESIGNATED SURVIVOR premiered on Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 10pm ET/PT on ABC, with Paulo Costanzo, Ben Lawson, and Zoe McLellan joining the cast for the new season. In the season opener, "One Year In," now, one year into office, Kirkman is a Commander-in-Chief determined to rebuild the Capitol and capture the terrorists behind the catastrophic attack on the United States. When Ukrainian nationalists hijack a Russian Air flight, the president is faced with a hostage situation in which his diplomatic skills are put to the test. On Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at 10pm ET/PT, ABC "Run," the Season 2 finale of DESIGNATED SURVIVOR. As President Kirkman continues to deal with the turmoil surrounding the hacker and Congressional investigation, a natural disaster threatens the lives of two White House staffers. Meanwhile, Kirkman's closest allies are surprised when the president makes an announcement no one saw coming. ABC had cancelled DESIGNATED SURVIVOR, but, as of the morning of the finale, the series was still being considered for a third season by other content providers, including Netflix, who eventually picked up the series for a new season.
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On Friday, June 7, 2019 at 3:01am ET/12:01am PT, Netflix released the entire 10-episode third season of DESIGNATED SURVIVOR. Fresh faces and tough talk join the West Wing as Kirkman launches his election campaign amidst ethical quandaries and the looming shadow of terrorism. The season opens with Kirkman, now running for office for the first time, and his nascent campaign stumbling out of the gate. Wells gets a critical reassignment. Then, a heated debate over child marriage roils Kirkman's staff. Opioid addiction hits home for Mars. A biohacker turns Wells onto a chilling new threat.