Designated Survivor Is a Substantive Political Drama

Written by PTC | Published September 12, 2016

A gripping political thriller safe for families. Whenever the President and the country's other top leaders are all in one place together, one member of the Cabinet is kept at a secure location as a “designated survivor” in case of disaster. When the Capitol is bombed during a State of the Union address, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Tom Kirkman suddenly finds himself President of the United States. With only the help of his wife Alex, his teenage son Leo, and his former chief of staff Emily, Kirkman must lead America through the crisis and deal with political rivals and enemies in the White House, all while learning the toughest job in the world. There was little problematic content in the first episode: only a bit of mild language, no violence save the Capitol bombing off-screen, and Leo exchanging money for drugs at a dance party. Similar to shows like The Good Wife and Madam Secretary, Designated Survivor promises to be an involving drama with strong storytelling surrounding personalities and politics. Designated Survivor premieres Wednesday, September 21 at 10:00 p.m. ET on ABC.