Designated Survivor ( season 1 ) - wikipedia Designated Survivor ( season 1 ) Designated Survivor ( season 1 ) DVD cover Starring Kiefer Sutherland Natascha McElhone Adan Canto Italia Ricci LaMonica Garrett Tanner Buchanan Kal Penn Maggie Q Country of origin United States No. of episodes 21 Release Original network ABC Original release September 21, 2016 ( 2016 - 09 - 21 ) -- May 17, 2017 ( 2017 - 05 - 17 ) Season chronology Next → Season 2 List of Designated Survivor episodes The first season of the American political drama series Designated Survivor began airing on September 21, 2016 on ABC. The series was ordered straight to series by ABC in December 2015, with a formal announcement of 13 episodes in May 2016. Eight days after the premiere, on September 29, 2016, ABC gave the series a full season order. The series is produced by ABC Studios and The Mark Gordon Company, and is filmed in Toronto, Canada. The series was renewed for a second season on May 11, 2017. Contents 1 Overview 2 Cast and characters 2.1 Main 2.2 Recurring 3 Episodes 4 Production 4.1 Development 4.2 Writing 4.3 Casting 5 Reception 5.1 Critical response 5.2 Ratings 6 References 7 External links Overview On the night of the State of the Union, an explosion claims the lives of the President and everyone in the line of succession except for Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Thomas Kirkman, who had been named the designated survivor. Kirkman is immediately sworn in as President, unaware that the attack is just the beginning of what is to come. Cast and characters Main Kiefer Sutherland as President Thomas `` Tom '' Kirkman Natascha McElhone as First Lady Alexandra `` Alex '' Kirkman Adan Canto as Aaron Shore Italia Ricci as White House Chief of Staff Emily Rhodes LaMonica Garrett as Mike Ritter Tanner Buchanan as Leo Kirkman ( episodes 1 - 13 ; recurring episodes 14 - 21 ) Kal Penn as White House Press Secretary Seth Wright Maggie Q as Hannah Wells Recurring Mckenna Grace as Penny Kirkman, Tom 's daughter and Leo 's younger sister. Peter Outerbridge as Charles Langdon, the former Chief of Staff and one of the survivors of the Capitol bombing who provides Wells with information about the conspiracy. Malik Yoba as Jason Atwood, the Deputy Director of the FBI who initially spars with Wells over her investigation into the bombing but quickly becomes one of her most trusted allies. Kevin McNally as General Harris Cochrane, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff who refuses to accept Tom as the new Commander in Chief and attempts to take matters into his own hands. Virginia Madsen as Congresswoman Kimble Hookstraten, a Republican from Missouri and the designated survivor for the Republican Party who supports Tom 's authority while secretly harboring her own agenda. Ashley Zukerman as Congressman Peter MacLeish, a third - term representative from Oregon who becomes a national hero following the bombing but struggles to hide a dark secret. George Tchortov as Nestor Lozano, a former CIA agent and wanted mercenary operating under the name `` Catalan '' who is heavily involved in the conspiracy. Reed Diamond as John Forstell, the current Assistant Director of the FBI 's Office of Professional Responsibility and the acting Attorney General who occasionally assists Wells in her investigation. Mykelti Williamson as Admiral Chernow, the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff who quickly becomes one of Tom 's most trusted advisors. Michael Gaston as James Royce, the Governor of Michigan who openly defies the Kirkman administration and tries to establish his own supreme authority. Mariana Klaveno as Brooke Mathison, a clandestine operator in league with the people behind the Capitol bombing. Jake Epstein as Chuck Russink, an FBI analyst who occasionally assists Wells in her investigation. Lara Jean Chorostecki as Beth MacLeish, Peter MacLeish 's wife and a member of the conspiracy who goads him into following through with their agenda. Rob Morrow as Abe Leonard, a disgraced investigative journalist determined to expose the Kirkman administration 's secrets. Geoff Pierson as Cornelius Moss, a former President of the United States whom Tom appoints as his Secretary of State. Mark Deklin as Senator Jack Bowman, a Republican from Montana who seeks to raise his national profile by opposing Tom 's legislative agenda. Kearran Giovanni as Senator Diane Hunter, a Democrat from Massachusetts and the Senate Minority Leader who has a habit of sparring with Bowman. Terry Serpico as Patrick Lloyd, the CEO of a defunct private military firm and the mastermind behind the conspiracy. Richard Waugh as Jay Whitaker, the Homeland Security Advisor and a member of the conspiracy. Episodes No. overall No. in season Title Directed by Written by Original air date U.S. viewers ( millions ) `` Pilot '' Paul McGuigan David Guggenheim September 21, 2016 ( 2016 - 09 - 21 ) 10.04 When a sudden explosion destroys the Capitol Building during the State of the Union address, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Tom Kirkman is sworn in as President after his predecessor and his fellow Cabinet members are pronounced dead. As he juggles adjusting to his new role and proving he is capable of leading the country, FBI agent Hannah Wells begins to suspect that the attack may be the first of many. `` The First Day '' Brad Turner Story by : Jon Harmon Feldman Teleplay by : David Guggenheim September 28, 2016 ( 2016 - 09 - 28 ) 7.97 Kirkman deals with his first challenges as Commander in Chief when civil rights abuses in Michigan reach a fever pitch and the designated survivor for the Republican Party comes forward ; Wells suspects the FBI is being pointed in the wrong direction ; a member of Congress who survived the bombing makes his presence known. `` The Confession '' Sergio Mimica - Gezzan Jennifer Johnson & Paul Redford October 5, 2016 ( 2016 - 10 - 05 ) 7.05 Kirkman faces crisis after crisis as he juggles dealing with an interview that leaves many questioning the legitimacy of his Presidency and the fallout from a leaked video ; Wells questions Congressman Peter MacLeish, the bombing 's sole survivor, only to realize he is n't telling her the whole truth ; Alex deals with a personal crisis when she discovers a bag of pills in Leo 's bedroom drawer. `` The Enemy '' Paul Edwards Dana Ledoux Miller & Jon Harmon Feldman October 12, 2016 ( 2016 - 10 - 12 ) 7.00 Kirkman juggles continuing to deal with the issue of civil rights in Michigan and finding a terrorist believed to be responsible for the bombing ; Hannah suspects MacLeish is n't telling the truth about what happened on the night of the bombing ; Alex seeks help from an unlikely ally ; Seth takes on an unexpected new job. 5 5 `` The Mission '' Paul Edwards Sang Kyu Kim & Michael Russell Gunn October 26, 2016 ( 2016 - 10 - 26 ) 5.96 Kirkman dispatches a team of Navy SEALs to Algeria after learning that the government helped Majid Nassar, one of the terrorists claiming responsbility for the Capitol bombing, elude custody ; Wells learns the truth about MacLeish 's movements on the night of the bombing ; Alex finds out someone from her past has made a damning allegation. 6 6 `` The Interrogation '' Michael Katleman Barbie Kligman & Jenna Richman November 9, 2016 ( 2016 - 11 - 09 ) 5.56 Kirkman 's plans to elect a new Congress is put in jeopardy after a shooting disrupts a critical Governors ' Summit ; Wells and Atwood interrogate Majid Nassar about his purported role in the Capitol bombing ; Aaron and Emily offer MacLeish the position of Vice President. 7 7 `` The Traitor '' Frederick E.O. Toye Jennifer Johnson & Michael Russell Gunn November 16, 2016 ( 2016 - 11 - 16 ) 5.52 Kirkman attempts to negotiate a three - way spy trade with Saudi Arabia and Russia ; Alex finds herself face - to - face with the man who claims to be Leo 's biological father ; Wells pursues a lead from the Majid Nassar interrogation only to uncover a shocking secret. 8 8 `` The Results '' Chris Grismer Paul Redford & Sang Kyu Kim November 30, 2016 ( 2016 - 11 - 30 ) 5.45 Kirkman is forced to consider canceling the Congressional elections following a bioterrorism threat in Kansas City ; Leo confronts his parents about the scandal revolving around his parentage ; Wells ' investigation into Majid Nassar 's death takes a devastating turn. 9 9 `` The Blueprint '' Richard J. Lewis Dana Ledoux Miller & Michael Russell Gunn December 7, 2016 ( 2016 - 12 - 07 ) 5.18 Kirkman suspects a disgruntled NSA employee responsible for stealing classified information has an ulterior motive and Wells continues to search for information about MacLeish 's military past as the number of people she can trust continues to dwindle. 10 10 `` The Oath '' Frederick E.O. Toye David Guggenheim December 14, 2016 ( 2016 - 12 - 14 ) 6.18 Kirkman and Emily attempt to confirm suspicions of a traitor in the White House ; Wells juggles evading federal authorities and learning the identity of her mystery asset ; MacLeish prepares to be sworn in as Vice President. 11 11 `` Warriors '' Stephen Surjik Paul Redford & Carol Flint March 8, 2017 ( 2017 - 03 - 08 ) 5.86 Kirkman is taken into surgery after being shot during MacLeish 's swearing - in ; Wells is interrogated about the information she has on MacLeish ; Emily continues to avoid Aaron in the wake of a devastating revelation ; MacLeish uses his hours as acting President to conceal his involvement in the failed assassination attempt. 12 12 `` The End of the Beginning '' Mike Listo David Guggenheim March 15, 2017 ( 2017 - 03 - 15 ) 5.74 Kirkman and Wells start working together to learn more about MacLeish 's involvement in the Capitol bombing ; Emily 's strained relationship with Aaron is further tested ; Alex grows suspicious as Kirkman begins to tighten his inner circle. 13 13 `` Backfire '' Tara Nicole Weyr Sang Kyu Kim & Pierluigi Cothran March 22, 2017 ( 2017 - 03 - 22 ) 5.21 Kirkman deals with the fallout from MacLeish 's death ; Wells unearths information about how MacLeish became involved in the conspiracy ; Seth clashes with a reporter bent on exposing the administration 's secrets ; Alex reaches a difficult decision regarding her family 's safety. 14 14 `` Commander - in - Chief '' Frederick E.O. Toye Michael Russel Gunn March 29, 2017 ( 2017 - 03 - 29 ) 5.15 Kirkman juggles preventing a genocide in an African nation and working with former President Cornelius Moss to organize his Cabinet ; Wells interrogates former Chief of Staff Charles Langdon about his involvement in the conspiracy ; Aaron makes a decision about his future in the White House. 15 15 `` One Hundred Days '' Kenneth Fink Dana Ledoux Miller April 5, 2017 ( 2017 - 04 - 05 ) 5.19 Kirkman announces his intention to officially initiate his first hundred days ; Alex makes a statement that threatens to jeopardize the administration 's agenda ; Wells and Atwood set out to find the mysterious woman responsible for his son 's murder ; Hookstraten presents Aaron with an enticing offer. 16 16 `` Party Lines '' Mike Listo Jenna Richman April 12, 2017 ( 2017 - 04 - 12 ) 4.82 Kirkman 's administration struggles to assemble a bipartisan coalition in order to pass a controversial gun control bill and Wells and Atwood uncover further evidence that suggests the conspirators are planning more attacks. 17 17 `` The Ninth Seat '' Frederick E.O. Toye Paul Redford April 19, 2017 ( 2017 - 04 - 19 ) 5.06 Kirkman is forced to improvise when Republican Senator Jack Bowman blocks one of his Supreme Court nominees ; Wells and Atwood investigate a lead only to make a shocking revelation ; Seth learns that Leonard is writing a story about the truth behind the Capitol bombing. 18 18 `` Lazarus '' Chris Grismer Jennifer Johnson April 26, 2017 ( 2017 - 04 - 26 ) 5.11 Kirkman 's plan to nominate Hookstraten as Vice President is threatened when one of Hookstraten 's old rivals begins a smear campaign ; Wells ' investigation puts her life in danger ; Leonard receives inside information about the truth behind the bombing. 19 19 `` Misalliance '' Norberto Barba Dana Ledoux Miller & Jenna Richman May 3, 2017 ( 2017 - 05 - 03 ) 4.62 Kirkman juggles preparing for his first NATO summit and helping Hookstraten fight for her political future ; Atwood secretly collects intelligence on a high - ranking member of the conspiracy ; Wells finds herself forced to play a dangerous cat - and - mouse game. 20 20 `` Bombshell '' Sharat Raju Sang Kyu Kim May 10, 2017 ( 2017 - 05 - 10 ) 4.92 Kirkman 's first NATO summit is thrown into chaos when Abe Leonard publishes a story with damning allegations ; Wells tries to stay one step ahead of her kidnappers ; the Secret Service makes another attempt to locate the traitor within the White House. 21 21 `` Brace for Impact '' Frederick E.O. Toye David Guggenheim May 17, 2017 ( 2017 - 05 - 17 ) 5.07 Kirkman authorizes a national manhunt for the mastermind behind the Capitol bombing ; Wells sets out to prevent the conspirators from orchestrating another attack ; a series of dangerous events culminates in a discovery no one saw coming. Production Development Designated Survivor was ordered straight to series by ABC in December 2015, with a formal announcement of 13 episodes in May 2016. A month later, ABC revealed that the series would premiere on September 21, 2016. Eight days after the premiere, on September 29, 2016, ABC gave the series a full season order. Created by David Guggenheim, the series is executive produced by Simon Kinberg, Sutherland, Suzan Bymel, Aditya Sood, and Nick Pepper. Paul McGuigan directed the pilot episode. Amy B. Harris was set to be the showrunner in February 2016, but after the series ' official pick - up in May, it was announced she would be stepping down due to creative differences, and that Jon Harmon Feldman was in talks to replace her. In July 2016, Feldman was confirmed as showrunner / executive producer. In December 2016, Jeff Melvoin was hired as showrunner, replacing the departing Feldman. Kal Penn, formerly associate director in the White House 's Office of Public Engagement, serves as a consultant for the series as well as acting in the main cast. Writing Producers Jon Harmon Feldman and Guggenheim described the series as more than one genre, drawing inspiration from other thriller - dramas, with Guggenheim explaining, `` There is a West Wing component of a man governing and his team governing our nation at this critical time. It 's also the Homeland aspect of investigating the conspiracy. It also has a House of Cards component, which is the characters and the business of government through the eyes of these characters. '' Casting Kiefer Sutherland plays the lead role, Tom Kirkman Kiefer Sutherland joined the cast in December 2015, playing Tom Kirkman, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development who suddenly becomes President. Sutherland had previously no intention of doing television again, but changed his mind after reading the first script of the series, saying, `` I remember getting to the end of the script and thinking I was potentially holding the next 10 years of my life in my hands. '' In February 2016, it was announced that Kal Penn, Maggie Q, Natascha McElhone, and Italia Ricci had been cast as Kirkman 's speech writer ; Hannah, the lead FBI agent on the bombing of the Capitol ; Kirkman 's wife, an EEOC attorney ; and Emily, Kirkman 's Chief of Staff, respectively. Shortly after, Adan Canto had joined the series as Aaron Shore, the White House Deputy Chief of Staff. In early March, LaMonica Garrett joined the cast as Mike Ritter, Kirkman 's Secret Service agent, and Tanner Buchanan and Mckenna Grace had been cast as Kirkman 's children. In July 2016, Malik Yoba was announced for a recurring role as Jason Atwood, the seasoned Deputy Director of the FBI, to appear in seven episodes, while Virginia Madsen had been cast in the recurring role of Kimble Hookstraten, a conservative Congresswoman and the designated survivor for the rival political party. A month later, Ashley Zukerman joined the series in a recurring role as Peter MacLeish, an Afghan War veteran and popular third - term Congressman. In September 2016, Mykelti Williamson was cast as Admiral Chernow, a career military man and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. On November 4, 2016, it was announced that Mariana Klaveno had been cast for the show as the Dark - Haired Woman, a clandestine operator in league with the people behind the Capitol attack. Reception Critical response Review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes gave the first season an approval rating of 85 % based on 52 reviews, with an average rating of 6.98 / 10. The site 's critical consensus reads, `` Kiefer Sutherland skillfully delivers the drama in Designated Survivor, a fast - paced, quickly engrossing escapist political action fantasy. '' Metacritic reported a score of 71 out of 100 based on 35 reviews, indicating `` generally favorable reviews ''. Terri Schwartz from IGN gave the first episode a rating of 8.0 / 10, saying, `` Designated Survivor is a strong debut for a show that will fit well alongside Quantico and Scandal in ABC 's government - set political drama lineup. '' Variety said that the episode `` does everything it needs to, checking off the necessary boxes for the unwilling American hero - president in efficient, compelling scenes. '' Chuck Barney from Mercury News called the first episode `` suspenseful ''. Writing for TV Insider, Matt Roush compared Designated Survivor with other series as he said `` fall 's niftiest new drama has West Wing idealism, Homeland suspense and House of Cards political intrigue in its robust and compelling DNA. '' Zack Handlen from The A.V. Club wrote positively about the show and the premiere, praising Sutherland 's performance and commented on the symbol of Sutherland 's glasses as he said, `` The glasses he 's wearing serve as a way to tell us this is a different kind of hero, but they 're also a form of camouflage, making it easier for us to understand why so many people would underestimate this man. '' The editors of TV Guide placed Designated Survivor first among the top ten picks for the most anticipated new shows of the 2016 -- 17 season. In writer Alexander Zalben 's overall review, he pointed out the keys to one of the strongest pilots he had seen so far : `` Designated Survivor is the rare show that delivers on the hype, and surpasses it, '' and later stating `` It 's shocking that a show can balance all of these elements, but credit a magnetic cast that hits the ground running, a crack script that makes the first hour feel like 10 minutes and, of course, Sutherland as the anchor that keeps it all grounded. '' Zalben 's review concluded with this recommendation : `` There 's a reason Designated Survivor was n't just the top pick across all of our Editors ' lists, but also on the list compiled from TVGuide.com viewers ' Watchlist adds : this is a show that delivers on its premise, feels timely, and most importantly, is a ton of fun. '' On the other hand, after watching the first episode of the first season, The Guardian 's Brian Moylan criticized the dialogue, writing in his review that `` this drama needs dialogue that wo n't make the citizenry 's eyeballs roll '', adding that the show features `` meaningless platitudes '' of a `` we 're going to do this my way '' attitude, and concluded by writing, `` All we 're left with is a really great concept without the backing of a real leader behind it. '' Moylan also wrote that `` there 's not enough family tension for it to be a domestic drama, not enough government intrigue to make it a political show, and not enough investigation to make it a procedural. '' TVLine 's Dave Nemetz drew references between Kirkman and Jack Bauer, Kiefer Sutherland 's role in drama thriller 24, writing that `` Sutherland does a good job portraying Kirkman 's deep ambivalence about the situation he 's been handed. But when he has to play hardball with an Iranian ambassador, the tough talk comes too easily to him. It 's like Kirkman has been possessed by the ghost of Jack Bauer ''. Nemetz also questioned the series ' longevity ; `` As compelling as Designated Survivor 's concept is, it 's hard to see how it will sustain itself as a weekly series ''. Ratings The first episode set a record for DVR viewers with 7.67 million, surpassing the September 25, 2014, record of almost 7 million set by the pilot of How to Get Away with Murder. No. Title Air date Rating / share ( 18 -- 49 ) Viewers ( millions ) DVR ( 18 -- 49 ) DVR viewers ( millions ) Total ( 18 -- 49 ) Total viewers ( millions ) `` Pilot '' September 21, 2016 2.2 / 8 10.04 2.2 7.67 4.4 17.71 `` The First Day '' September 28, 2016 1.8 / 6 7.97 2.1 7.65 3.9 15.62 `` The Confession '' October 5, 2016 1.6 / 6 7.05 1.9 7.32 3.5 14.33 `` The Enemy '' October 12, 2016 1.6 / 6 7.00 1.9 6.89 3.5 13.89 5 `` The Mission '' October 26, 2016 1.2 / 5 5.96 2.0 7.07 3.2 13.03 6 `` The Interrogation '' November 9, 2016 1.2 / 4 5.56 1.8 6.36 3.0 11.92 7 `` The Traitor '' November 16, 2016 1.2 / 4 5.52 1.7 6.40 2.9 11.92 8 `` The Results '' November 30, 2016 1.3 / 4 5.45 1.7 6.50 3.0 11.95 9 `` The Blueprint '' December 7, 2016 1.1 / 4 5.18 1.7 6.69 2.8 11.88 10 `` The Oath '' December 14, 2016 1.2 / 4 6.17 1.7 6.19 2.9 12.36 11 `` Warriors '' March 8, 2017 1.3 / 5 5.86 1.5 5.80 2.8 11.69 12 `` The End of the Beginning '' March 15, 2017 1.3 / 5 5.74 1.4 5.53 2.7 11.27 13 `` Backfire '' March 22, 2017 1.1 / 4 5.21 1.4 5.66 2.5 10.87 14 `` Commander - in - Chief '' March 29, 2017 1.1 / 4 5.15 1.5 5.79 2.6 10.94 15 `` One Hundred Days '' April 5, 2017 1.1 / 4 5.19 1.5 5.68 2.6 10.87 16 `` Party Lines '' April 12, 2017 0.9 / 3 4.82 1.4 5.43 2.3 10.31 17 `` The Ninth Seat '' April 19, 2017 1.0 / 4 5.06 1.4 5.50 2.4 10.56 18 `` Lazarus '' April 26, 2017 1.1 / 4 5.11 N / A N / A N / A N / A 19 `` Misalliance '' May 3, 2017 0.9 / 4 4.62 1.4 5.42 2.3 10.04 20 `` Bombshell '' May 10, 2017 1.0 / 4 4.92 1.2 5.23 2.2 10.15 21 `` Brace for Impact '' May 17, 2017 1.1 / 4 5.07 1.2 5.30 2.3 10.37 References ^ Jump up to : Andreeva, Nellie ( December 14, 2015 ). `` Kiefer Sutherland To Star In ' Designated Survivor ' Series On ABC ''. 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TVLine. Archived from the original on February 7, 2016. Retrieved February 8, 2016. Jump up ^ Vick, Megan ( August 4, 2016 ). `` Designated Survivor : 5 Things We Learned About Kiefer Sutherland 's Explosive New Drama ''. TV Guide. Archived from the original on September 11, 2016. Retrieved September 17, 2016. ^ Jump up to : Ausielo, Michael ( August 4, 2016 ). `` Kiefer Sutherland 's New ABC Serial Thriller Designated Survivor Blends ' West Wing, House of Cards, Homeland ' ''. TVLine. Archived from the original on September 14, 2016. Retrieved September 16, 2016. Jump up ^ Andreeva, Nellie ( December 14, 2015 ). `` ABC Orders ' Designated Survivor ' Series Starring Kiefer Sutherland From David Guggenheim, Mark Gordon, Simon Kinberg ''. Deadline.com. Archived from the original on September 25, 2016. Retrieved September 16, 2016. Jump up ^ Andreeva, Nellie ( February 5, 2016 ). `` Designated Survivor Casts Kal Penn, Maggie Q & More ''. Deadline.com. Archived from the original on February 7, 2016. Retrieved February 8, 2016. Jump up ^ Andreeva, Nellie ( February 8, 2016 ). `` Designated Survivor : Adan Canto Joins Kiefer Sutherland ABC Drama ''. Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on February 9, 2016. Retrieved February 8, 2016. Jump up ^ Petski, Denise ( March 1, 2016 ). `` ABC 's Designated Survivor Casts LaMonica Garrett ; Jahmil French Joins A&E 's The Infamous ''. Deadline. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved March 4, 2016. Jump up ^ Mitovich, Matt Webb ( July 26, 2016 ). `` Designated Survivor : Virginia Madsen Joins ABC 's Kiefer Sutherland Drama ''. TVLine. Archived from the original on September 17, 2016. Retrieved September 16, 2016. Jump up ^ Petski, Denise ( November 4, 2016 ). `` ' Designated Survivor ' Casts Mariana Klaveno ; ' 24 : Legacy ' Adds Moran Atias ''. Deadline. Archived from the original on November 5, 2016. Retrieved November 4, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Designated Survivor : Season 1 ( 2016 ) ''. Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on October 11, 2016. Retrieved September 23, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Designated Survivor : Season 1 ''. Metacritic. Archived from the original on September 30, 2016. Retrieved October 6, 2016. Jump up ^ Schwartz, Terri ( July 24, 2016 ). `` Comic - Con 2016 : Designated Survivor - `` Pilot '' Review ``. IGN. Archived from the original on September 19, 2016. Retrieved September 17, 2016. Jump up ^ Sarayia, Sonia ( September 13, 2016 ). `` TV Review : ' Designated Survivor ' ''. Variety. Archived from the original on September 17, 2016. Retrieved September 17, 2016. Jump up ^ Barney, Chuck ( September 6, 2016 ). `` Fall TV 2016 : 10 must - see new shows ''. Mercury News. Archived from the original on September 14, 2016. Retrieved September 17, 2016. Jump up ^ Roush, Matt ( September 14, 2016 ). `` Roush Review : In a Fall Full of Remakes, A Few New Shows Shine ''. TV Insider. Archived from the original on September 17, 2016. Retrieved September 17, 2016. Jump up ^ Handlen, Zack ( September 21, 2016 ). `` Designated Survivor finds a likely hero in an unlikely place ''. The A.V. Club. Archived from the original on September 23, 2016. Retrieved September 22, 2016. Jump up ^ Zalben, Alexander ( September 16, 2016 ). `` Our 10 Most Anticipated New TV Shows of Fall 2016 ''. TV Guide. Archived from the original on October 8, 2016. Retrieved October 6, 2016. Jump up ^ Moylan, Brian ( September 21, 2016 ). `` Designated Survivor review -- Kiefer Sutherland winds up president of cliche ''. The Guardian. Archived from the original on December 3, 2016. Retrieved December 3, 2016. Jump up ^ Nemetz, Dave ( September 16, 2016 ). `` Designated Survivor Review : POTUSing Comes Too Easily for Kiefer Sutherland ''. TVLine. Archived from the original on November 17, 2016. Retrieved December 3, 2016. ^ Jump up to : Porter, Rick ( October 4, 2016 ). `` ' Designated Survivor ' is your premiere week DVR champion : Broadcast Live + 7 ratings ''. TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on October 4, 2016. Retrieved October 4, 2016. Jump up ^ Kissell, Rick ( September 30, 2014 ). `` ABC 's ' How to Get Away With Murder ' Premiere Sets DVR Playback Record ''. Variety. Archived from the original on October 7, 2014. Retrieved October 6, 2014. Jump up ^ Porter, Rick ( October 11, 2016 ). `` ' Designated Survivor ' posts more big DVR gains : Broadcast Live + 7 ratings for Sept. 26 - Oct. 2 ''. TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on October 11, 2016. Retrieved October 11, 2016. Jump up ^ Porter, Rick ( October 19, 2016 ). `` ' Designated Survivor ' lead broadcast Live + 7 ratings for Oct. 3 - 9 ''. TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on October 20, 2016. Retrieved October 19, 2016. Jump up ^ Porter, Rick ( October 27, 2016 ). `` ' This Is Us, ' ' Big Bang, ' ' Designated Survivor ' lead broadcast Live + 7 ratings for Oct. 10 - 16 ''. TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on October 28, 2016. Retrieved October 27, 2016. Jump up ^ Porter, Rick ( November 10, 2016 ). `` ' This Is Us, ' ' Designated Survivor ' stay on top in broadcast Live + 7 ratings for Oct. 24 - 30 ''. TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on November 11, 2016. Retrieved November 10, 2016. Jump up ^ Porter, Rick ( November 23, 2016 ). `` ' Designated Survivor ' makes more big gains in week 8 broadcast Live + 7 ratings ''. TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on November 24, 2016. Retrieved November 23, 2016. Jump up ^ Porter, Rick ( December 1, 2016 ). `` ' This Is Us, ' ' Big Bang, ' ' Designated Survivor ' are the Big Three in week 9 broadcast Live + 7 ratings ''. TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on December 1, 2016. Retrieved December 1, 2016. Jump up ^ Porter, Rick ( December 21, 2016 ). `` 6 shows double in week 11 broadcast Live + 7 ratings ''. TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on December 23, 2016. Retrieved December 21, 2016. Jump up ^ Porter, Rick ( December 22, 2016 ). `` ' This Is Us ' reaches season highs week 12 broadcast Live + 7 ratings ''. TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on December 23, 2016. Retrieved December 22, 2016. Jump up ^ Porter, Rick ( January 3, 2017 ). `` ' Designated Survivor ' posts another double - double in week 13 broadcast Live + 7 ratings ''. TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on January 4, 2017. Retrieved January 3, 2017. Jump up ^ Porter, Rick ( March 24, 2017 ). `` ' Sleepy Hollow ' & 5 more shows double, ' This Is Us ' has biggest total gain : Week 25 broadcast Live + 7 ratings ''. TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on May 17, 2017. Retrieved March 24, 2017. Jump up ^ Porter, Rick ( March 30, 2017 ). `` ' This Is Us ' finale, ' Designated Survivor ' top week 26 's broadcast Live + 7 ratings ''. TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on May 18, 2017. Retrieved March 30, 2017. Jump up ^ Porter, Rick ( April 6, 2017 ). `` ' Empire ' and ' Designated Survivor ' score in week 27 broadcast Live + 7 ratings ''. TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on April 7, 2017. Retrieved April 6, 2017. Jump up ^ Porter, Rick ( April 13, 2017 ). `` ' Designated Survivor ' scores again, 7 shows double in week 28 broadcast Live + 7 ratings ''. TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on April 14, 2017. Retrieved April 13, 2017. Jump up ^ Porter, Rick ( April 20, 2017 ). `` ' iZombie ' premiere gets decent bump in week 29 broadcast Live + 7 ratings ''. TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on April 20, 2017. Retrieved April 20, 2017. Jump up ^ Porter, Rick ( April 26, 2017 ). `` 6 shows double, led by ' Designated Survivor ' : Week 30 broadcast Live + 7 ratings ''. TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on April 26, 2017. Retrieved April 26, 2017. Jump up ^ Porter, Rick ( May 4, 2017 ). `` ' Designated Survivor ' makes more big gains : Week 31 broadcast Live + 7 ratings ''. TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on May 4, 2017. Retrieved May 4, 2017. Jump up ^ Porter, Rick ( May 22, 2017 ). `` ' Modern Family, ' ' Big Bang ' gain the most, 10 shows double : Week 33 broadcast Live + 7 ratings ''. TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on May 22, 2017. Retrieved May 22, 2017. Jump up ^ Porter, Rick ( May 27, 2017 ). `` ' Designated Survivor, ' ' Big Bang Theory ' finale lead week 34 's broadcast Live + 7 ratings ''. TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on May 27, 2017. Retrieved May 27, 2017. Jump up ^ Porter, Rick ( June 2, 2017 ). `` ' Modern Family, ' ' Designated Survivor ' finales make biggest gains in week 35 broadcast Live + 7 ratings ''. TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on June 2, 2017. Retrieved June 2, 2017. External links Official website Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Designated_Survivor_(season_1)&oldid=815550400 '' Categories : 2016 American television seasons 2017 American television seasons Designated Survivor ( TV series ) Hidden categories : Pages using deprecated image syntax Official website not in Wikidata Talk Contents About Wikipedia Français Italiano Edit links This page was last edited on 15 December 2017, at 14 : 50. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution - ShareAlike License ; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia ® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization. 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Question: how many episodes in designated survivor season 1
Answer: 21