ABC’s Designated Survivor will not see a third season. The network has canceled the Kiefer Sutherland starrer after two seasons. The May 16 season finale will now serve as the series finale.
The political conspiracy drama began its run as one of ABC’s most promising, snagging the Critics’ Choice award for most exciting new series in its first season. It had seen ratings declines in Seasons 2 and 3, but continued to be helped by strong DVR lifts. The series underwent a behind-the-scene turnover with a slew of showrunner changes over its three-season run.
In Designated Survivor, which marked Sutherland return to TV after 24, he starred as Tom Kirkman, a lower-level cabinet member who is suddenly appointed President of the United States after a catastrophic attack on the US Capitol during the State of the Union. Kirkman now finds himself thrust into a role he never wanted. He must struggle to keep the country and his own family from falling apart, while navigating the highly-volatile political arena and while leading the search to find who is responsible for the attack.
In addition to Sutherland, the series also starred Natasha McElhone, Adan Canto, Italia Ricci, LaMonica Garrett, Tanner Buchanan, Kal Penn, and Maggie Q.
(Excerpt) Read More in: Deadline