Netflix revives Designated Survivor after ABC cancellation

Netflix will bring back Designated Survivor for a third season, after the show was cancelled by ABC in May.

The political drama starring Kiefer Sutherland will be helmed by showrunner Neal Baer from global studio Entertainment One (eOne). Season three will go into production later in the year and return in 2019.

Netflix previously held the international rights to season one and two. These season will now also come exclusively to Netflix in the US and Canada this autumn.

Executive producers include Mark Gordon, Kiefer Sutherland, Suzan Bymel, Simon Kinberg, Aditya Sood and Peter Noah.

This season will explore the world of campaigning as it stands today, including smear tactics, debates, campaign finance and “fake news.” Democracy, as we know it, will hang in the balance in these episodes.

Gordon said: “The continuation of the show via Netflix is a win-win for all involved. 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.”

Sutherland added: “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to play President Kirkman for season 3 of ‘Designated Survivor’ with Netflix, eOne and Neal Baer.

“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.”