Designated Survivor: Netflix's Political Thriller That Blends 24 And House Of Cards
When you think Netflix and political thriller, you probably think House of Cards, but the streamer has another solid, politically minded series that's a little bit House of Cards and a little bit 24. The original Netflix original, House of Cards, is what signaled that Netflix was interested in being more than a repository for other networks' shows and movies. The political wheelings and dealings of Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) and his wife Claire (Robin Wright) provided some of the best TV viewing of the 2010s (for two seasons at least). Its success in those first few years of Netflix may have convinced Netflix that it needed some more shows in a similar mold. Maybe that's why in 2018, Netflix revived Designated Survivor, a political thriller from David Guggenheim that aired on ABC for two seasons before being canceled. The series stars Kiefer Sutherland as Thomas Kirkman, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, who is named designated survivor the night of a State of the Union. At the address, a terrorist attack kills the President and everyone in the line of succession between him and Kirkman, resulting in Kirkman being thrust into the Presidency. The rest of the series follows Kirkman learning to do a role he never wanted while also uncovering a conspiracy regarding the bombing.
Designated Survivor Does Have Some Flaws
Designated Survivor is an excellent series for those who were fans of 24 and House of Cards, but it isn't completely without issue, and there's a reason you might watch those latter two shows before the former. The series is a mixed bag of grim threats, thick suspense, and political idealism. While those elements aren't necessarily at odds, Designated Survivor doesn't always balance them well. The show doesn't always seem to know what it is it wants to be. The series opens with a fascinating idea: What happens when one of the lowest people on the ladder suddenly jumps every rung? However, Designated Survivor also insists on being a spy thriller, with a conspiracy that tries to be more shocking than the U.S. Capitol blowing up. It's too much stuffed into one package, and you may find yourself wishing that the showrunners had just stuck with one direction to go in.
Designated Survivor Is An Easy Show To Pass The Time With
Still, despite its flaws, Designated Survivor is a breezy political thriller and one that you can easily pass the time with. Kiefer Sutherland is, of course, eminently watchable, and his constant presence in the series makes every scene better. Seeing him as unsure and reactive opens up a new element of his acting style.
Designated Survivor Episodes
Season
Episodes
1
21
2
22
3
10
Though there are a lot of different tones and storylines packed into the show, that also means every episode moves pretty quickly as we jump from one to the other, making each feel brief and easy. The story at the center is very thrilling and offers a compelling mystery that will keep you glued.
As the show goes on, Designated Survivor takes a page from The West Wing and cranks up the level of earnestness to a degree that some may find overly sweet, but that also makes the show go down a little easier. Designated Survivor is 53 episodes, mostly under 50 minutes, and you won't regret binging it.
Release Date
2016 - 2019-00-00
Directors
Kiefer Sutherland
Writers
Kiefer Sutherland
