The television business is turning into a big game of musical chairs. Some shows are canceled by one network only to be picked up by another network or streaming service. This can sometimes be a good thing, as in the case of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, which was picked up by NBC after getting the ax from FOX, and sometime’s it’s not so great, as in the case of Last Man Standing, which should have just gone away after bering canceled by ABC, only to be picked up by FOX.
The latest show shuffle is the Kiefer Sutherland drama Designated Survivor. The show was canceled in May, in the network bloodbath that also took Great News, The Mick, Timeless and Last Man on Earth from us (and many of your other favorites). After months of negotiations, it’s set to return for a 10-episode third season on Netflix. Production is set to begin later this year and the new episodes will premiere sometime in 2019.
According to Deadline, in the new season, Kiefer’s character Tom Kirkman, a lower level cabinet member who became president after an attack took the lives of the President and most of the cabinet, will hit the campaign trail, and the season “will explore today’s world of campaigning, smear tactics, debates, campaign finance and ‘fake news.’”
The show’s executive producer, Mark Gordon, said that moving the series to Netflix is “a win-win for all involved,” adding that, “The story of President Kirkman and those around him has not been fully told, and we look forward to working with our new partner in continuing the show for a global audience.”
On Wednesday, Kiefer said he was “thrilled” to continue working on the show, adding, “I believe this format will allow us to continue to delve deeply into storylines and issues concerning the American electorate that were not previously possible.”
I haven’t watched Designated Survivor yet, but this new season sounds like it could be interesting. At least I have some time to catch up, as seasons one and two will be streaming on Netflix prior to the debut of season three. I feel another binge coming on. I’m not supposed to say that, am I?
Photos: WENN, Getty
I used to watch it on Netflix – it’s fine for watching while you do something else but I don’t think I could spend an hour watching just the show. Certainly neither the characters nor plot are compelling enough to warrant s binge imo.
I need west wing on Netflix, please and thank you.
The West Wing is currently streaming on Netflix and has been for years.
Not where I live.
It’s never been on UK Netflix and, I, too, really need it!
“Timeless” was enjoyable. It was one of the few network shows we looked forward to seeing.
We watched it for a bit. It was actually fine as a regular TV show….something that you watch every week when it airs, but you don’t need to watch the entire season in a sitting. The episodes are kind of repetitive in that they really hit you over the head with some themes and ideas and they want to make sure you don’t miss some plot hints – but if you do, they’ll just remind you of them in the next 5 episodes. And that’s not to be disparaging about it. Like I said, it kind of reminded me of an “older” TV show, where they did not assume that everyone was DVRing every episode or could rewatch something on demand etc.
But our issue with it was that Kiefer was not Jack Bauer. And he is always Jack Bauer lol.
I agree!! Bring back Jack Bauer
hahaha Maybe that’s why I fell off midway through the first season. We want Jack!
Well…my parents will be happy?
I never had any interest in it, but that’s good for the cast and crew.
It does sound like an interesting premise for a new season but I cannot stomach Kiefer so I won’t be watching. WTF is up with that skinny scarf in that one photo? *shudders*
I watched the show and was sad when it was cancelled. I am glad that it was picked up. I liked that it had a earnest side to it. Sometimes you just need that.
I agree! I quite liked the show and watched it faithfully. I’m REALLY hoping they bring back Maggie Q/Hannah Wells – she made the show for me. Didn’t much care for Emily but I felt like she was on her way out anyway. Glad the wife left too, she was a bit annoying. Anyway, watch it folks. Not the worst hour you will spend. And agree re earnest. Kiefer’s moral speeches were “goals”.
The show wasn’t bad, but every time someone gave Kirkman lip, I was waiting for Jack Bauer to come out an start killing all the fools. Made it disappointing to watch. For me anyway 😝
I watched season 1 on Netflix LatAm last year. Seems Netflix already owned streaming rights!
Happy for Keifer Sutherland. Always been a fan! 🇨🇦 He comes from a great acting background! Heard many stories of his generosity and kindness to others!
This is great news! I watched the first two seasons and was riveted by each episode. I will look forward to the third season.
This show was so bad (my husband wanted to give it a shot) and came across as a giant ego bath for Sutherland. It should have stayed cancelled, but i’m guessing that enough people stream it that Netflix found it worthwhile to finish it so it’s not yet another abruptly ending series.