I get it. Politics are dramatic enough in reality, and already seem to be infiltrating every aspect of your life. So, the last thing you want to do is watch a TV show categorized as a “political drama.” But once you watch an episode of Designated Survivor, you will change your mind.
The series invites you to step into the shoes of HUD Secretary Tom Kirkman, played by Kiefer Sutherland. An attack on the Capitol Building kills all those ahead of Kirkman in the line of succession, and he is catapulted into the position of president of the United States.
Many of Kirkman’s problems as POTUS stem from the fact that reporters, other politicians, and the American public claim he is unqualified to be running the country. They base their claims on the fact that he was previously just a lower-level cabinet member, and had never before held an elected position. Ironic, right?
Rotten Tomatoes says, “Kiefer Sutherland skillfully delivers the drama in Designated Survivor, a fast-paced, quickly engrossing escapist political action fantasy.” I can personally vouch that the use of the words “engrossing” and “escapist” are quite apt. President Kirkman’s genuinely kindhearted nature leaves me wishing 2020 would come faster at the end of each episode.
The show has several plot lines which appeal to a wide variety of viewers. As Kirkman grapples with his newfound presidential responsibilities, his wife and two children adjust to being under constant scrutiny at the White House. Meanwhile, a romance buds between two of Kirkman’s staff members. Behind the scenes, the FBI agent assigned to investigate the Capitol Building attack goes rogue. Worst of all, there appears to be a traitor within the administration.
If you aren’t already watching Designated Survivor, you should be. The show is thrilling, funny, and heart-warming, and the parallels between the challenges America faces on the show and in reality are truly captivating.
Designated Survivor returned to the air on Wednesday, March 8 after a mid-season break which left fans feeling empty inside for about three months. Catch up on all the episodes here, and slide into my DMs when you’re ready to fangirl with me.
