Designated Survivor: Netflix’s Political Thriller That Blends 24 And House Of Cards

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If you’re looking for a political thriller on Netflix, House of Cards likely comes to mind, but there’s another strong series worth checking out. It shares similarities with both House of Cards and the fast-paced action of 24. The original House of Cards was a turning point for Netflix, proving they could create original content that stood out from simply hosting shows and movies from other networks.

Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) and his wife Claire (Robin Wright) were at the center of one of the most captivating TV dramas of the 2010s, especially during its first two seasons. The show’s early popularity on Netflix likely led the streaming service to commission other similar series.

I have to admit, I was thrilled when Netflix brought back Designated Survivor in 2018. The show, created by David Guggenheim, originally aired on ABC but was unfortunately canceled after two seasons. It’s a really compelling political thriller, and Kiefer Sutherland is fantastic as Thomas Kirkman – the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development unexpectedly thrust into the presidency after a catastrophic event during the State of the Union.

A terrorist attack wipes out the President and everyone next in line to take over, unexpectedly making Kirkman the new President. The show then follows Kirkman as he adjusts to the job he never sought and investigates the truth behind the bombing.

Designated Survivor Does Have Some Flaws

If you enjoyed shows like 24 and House of Cards, Designated Survivor is definitely worth checking out, though it has some flaws. It blends intense, high-stakes drama with a hopeful look at politics, making for a compelling but sometimes uneven experience. You might find 24 and House of Cards a better starting point, though.

Although the political and personal storylines in Designated Survivor aren’t inherently conflicting, the show sometimes struggles to find the right balance between them. It often feels unsure of its own identity. The series starts with a compelling premise: what happens when someone with very little power unexpectedly finds themselves in a position of ultimate authority?

But Designated Survivor also tries to be a suspenseful spy thriller, complete with a conspiracy that aims to be even more dramatic than the bombing of the Capitol building. It tries to do too much at once, and you might wish the creators had focused on just one type of story.

Designated Survivor Is An Easy Show To Pass The Time With

Even with its imperfections, Designated Survivor is an enjoyable and fast-paced political thriller – perfect for relaxing. Kiefer Sutherland is always compelling to watch, and he elevates every scene he’s in. It’s interesting to see him play a character who is uncertain and responding to events, showcasing a different side of his talent.

Designated Survivor Episodes
Season Episodes
1 21
2 22
3 10

The show juggles many different moods and plotlines, which makes each episode fast-paced and feel surprisingly short. Despite this, the central story is incredibly exciting and presents a captivating mystery that will really draw you in.

As Designated Survivor progresses, it becomes more sincere and optimistic, much like The West Wing. While some viewers might find this a bit much, it actually makes the show more enjoyable. With 53 episodes that are generally under 50 minutes each, it’s a series you can easily and happily binge-watch.

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2026-04-20 18:18