Designated Survivor is currently streaming in Australia on Netflix, and in the US on Netflix, and it earns its set pieces rather than just delivering them. The 3-season run is exactly the right length for what it is doing. A 7/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Kiefer Sutherland's performance is the throughline that holds the set pieces together. Available now on Netflix — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, Designated Survivor earns its spot. The choreography in Designated Survivor serves the story instead of interrupting it. Tom Kirkman, a low-level cabinet member is suddenly appointed President of the United States after a catastrophic attack during the State of the Union kills everyone above him in the Presidential line of succession. Kiefer Sutherland and Maggie Q lead a cast that keeps the chaos grounded in who's actually at stake. Across 3 seasons (2016–2019), it never lost the thread that made it worth starting. The action sequences are expensive-looking without drawing attention to their own budget — they serve the story rather than interrupting it. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

For viewers who want their entertainment to move fast and not waste a scene, Designated Survivor respects your time. If you have already watched Homeland, Designated Survivor is a natural next step. Best experienced as a single, sustained watch if your schedule allows. Kiefer Sutherland anchors the chaos with real screen presence. Every set piece here is doing more than one job at once.

Designated Survivor was cancelled in 2019, created by David Guggenheim — and 3 seasons are available to watch from start to finish. Find exactly where it's streaming below, and TV Butler Pro makes it effortless to track your progress as you go. Just search the name, and Butler finds it instantly, tells you which service has it, and remembers exactly where you left off.