The elevator pitch: “Jack Bauer is the President.” And with that, ABC executives were instantly hooked. The most anticipated (and promoted) new show of the Fall 2016 TV season was the network’s political drama “Designated Survivor”, starring Kiefer Sutherland as a low-level cabinet member who, following a bombing of the U.S. Capitol building during the State of the Union address that killed everyone inside, becomes the President of the United States.
The premise is based on an actual practice that dates back to the Cold War, in which a member of the Cabinet stays in a secluded location during the address in case of a catastrophic event. I actually learned about this policy through a “Final Jeopardy!” question back in 2013. That might be how show creator David Guggenheim (screenwriter of the 2012 Denzel Washington/Ryan Reynolds thriller “Safe House”) got the idea.
“Designated Survivor” premiered to 10 million viewers in September on its Wednesday night, 10pm timeslot, along with another 5 million in DVR playbacks over the next three days. Following Episode 2, ABC gave it a full-season order of 22 episodes, and it has averaged 7.6 million viewers over its first five.
If you haven’t watched the show yet, you’ve got some catching-up to do, but chances are you’ll immediately be invested. Sutherland is fantastic as Tom Kirkman. He’s definitive in his approaches to policies and handling delicate situations. He’s determined (with the assistance of the FBI) to bring the Capitol attackers to justice. He’s a family man (with a wife, son and daughter). And most of all – he’s human.
The only way this show would work was to cast a commanding lead to play our Commander in Chief – and Sutherland was the perfect choice. Don’t be surprised if he goes-up against Kevin Spacey (a.k.a. “House of Cards” Pres. Frank Underwood) at this year’s Critics Choice, Golden Globe, SAG and Emmy Awards. The NY Post even wrote an article last month titled, “We’d all rather elect Kiefer Sutherland for President this year”.
Because ABC aired the CMA Awards last Wednesday, “Designated Survivor” was preempted for the second time (the first was because of, ironically, a Presidential Debate). But the network managed to sneak-in a show promo during nearly every break during the CMA’s, teasing, “Is he the President who will finally unite us?” Kiefer’s Kirkman is shown giving a speech saying, “We all want the same thing – to rebuild our country.”
ABC is hoping “DS” will provide a consistent ratings boost on Wed. night. This week will certainly be interesting. One way or the other millions of people throughout the country will be upset with the results of Tuesday’s actual Presidential Election. Maybe they’ll want to get rid of their real troubles and watch a reliable, fictional leader in action. And then again, maybe not.
“Designated Survivor” has quickly established itself as the best new show of the Fall Season. It’s too early to say if it’ll have the type of run that Sutherland’s “24” had, but I wouldn’t vote against it.