It’s official: Netflix, entertainer of the masses, stepped in to save Designated Survivor from cancellation. They officially renewed the show for a third season. While that means Designated Survivor season 3 won’t release on the same timeline as it would have had ABC kept the political drama, fans can rest assured that more episodes are coming and details are already emerging.
The move doesn’t mean the show didn’t keep viewers on the edge of their seats, as fans already know. The show simply racked up more views after episodes were released, making it a better fit for streaming services like Netflix than a network that relies on viewers to tune in at a specific date and time. Lucky for all of us, Netflix isn’t new at this whole series thing. They’ve already released some details about what they have in store for us when the series returns for its 10-episode run. Here’s what you need to know.
What will Designated Survivor season 3 be about?
The finale of the second season saw Tom Kirkman ready to step down as President. A last-minute intervention from Ethan West convinced him to announce his bid for reelection in an address to the country. Heading into Designated Survivor season 3, it’s all about the campaigning, and the complication that brings.
Netflix released an official description for the upcoming season in a press release announcing that the show had been picked up: “President Kirkman (Sutherland) will face a political reality… campaigning. What does it take to make a leader? What price will he be willing to pay? This season will explore today’s world of campaigning, smear tactics, debates, campaign finance and ‘fake news.’ Democracy, as we know it, will hang in the balance.”
Maybe that hits a little too close to home as we head into midterm elections. But you can bet on there being continued focus on the emotional journey of Kirman, too. Audiences were devastated during the midseason finale when they killed off Alex. Although Natascha McElhone, the actress who brought her to life, is going on to star in The First on Hulu, she’ll be missed by fans and her on-screen husband.
Designated Survivor season 3 cast
Unfortunately that means we won’t see Natascha McElhone reprising her role, unless they bring her back for a guest appearance in a flashback. You can expect to see most of the big names returning to the show, though. Keep your eyes peeled for Adan Canto as Aaron Shore, Italia Ricci as Emily Rhodes, Kal Penn as Seth Wright, LaMonica Garrett as Mike Ritter, Maggie Q as Hannah Wells, Paulo Constanzo as Lyor Boone and Zoe McLellan as Kendra Daynes.
Check out the Designated Survivor season 3 trailer
It’s too soon for an official trailer for Designated Survivor season 3, but Metro will update this story with one as soon as it’s released.
Designated Survivor season 3 release date
Although there’s no official release date yet, we do have an idea of what time of year the third season of the political drama will hit your Netflix queue. In the press release announcing their acquisition of the series, Netflix said the series is going into production later this year for its third season and it will be released in 2019. Hopefully we don’t have to wait until fall 2019, but even if we do, it’s better than losing the show to a cancellation. Metro will keep you updated about the release date.
