‘Designated Survivor’ Season 4 Canceled at Netflix

Designated Survivor was revived by Netflix for season 3 but it appears that it wasn’t able to put together a season 4 despite ending with a massive cliffhanger. DesignatedSurvivor was therefore cancelled.

Let’s quickly recap and introduce the show if you’re not familiar. Kiefer Sutherland's political drama sees Tom Kirkman elected President of the United States following a terrorist attack on Capitol Hill in the State of the Union. The show evolved into something more traditional over the three seasons. It is now a political drama similar to House of Cards or Madam Secretary.

The transition to Netflix hasn’t been super smooth with some criticizing the shows new freedom to use profanity and introduce more mature subjects that were perhaps not best suited for network television. Creators and producers alike have expressed gratitude for their partnership with Netflix, claiming that it gave them new opportunities.

Since it’s Netflix release, it’s regularly featured in the top 10’s in the UK as well as remaining in the trending now section.

Is Designated Survivor renewed at Netflix for Season 4?

Status of official renewal: Officially canceled. Last update: 07/24/2019

After only one more season, Netflix has officially cancelled the show.

It doesn’t look like Netflix canceled the show because of bad ratings but rather the complicated contract arrangements. It’s been reported that Netflix only signed a one-year deal with eOne (the studio behind the show) and most actors have opted not to renew.

A few cast members had high hopes for the revival of the show just two weeks prior. The show’s Twitter account went dark on July 4th.

Kiefer Sutherland, who is also a producer for the show, had this to say recently:

We had an amazing experience with Netflix, and a kind of freedom that was wonderful – but the reality is, because the contracts were so complicated and different from network television to Netflix etc, they didn’t book a lot of the actors that were on the show, and they took other jobs, and I don’t blame them for a second for that.

Deadline reports Kal Penn had already started other projects, and confirms contract problems are most likely to be the primary reason for the cancellation.

Don’t forget, South Korea has adapted the story has been releasing weekly episodes since July 1st, 2019. This series is essentially a continuation of the original premise. Reviews have been positive so far.

Designated Survivor: 60 Days coming to Netflix on July 1st

We wanted more from Designated Survivor Season 4

Some viewers felt the show faltered in the middle, but it ended with a bang that set the stage for many plot points.

Firstly, let’s start at the top level. Kirkman was elected president and will continue to serve four more years as the Oval Office's chief executive. A potential scandal is now in danger due to the unsavory manner Kirkman rose through the polls. President Kirkman purposely chose to withhold information that would’ve exonerated Moss from the bio-attack attempts. In season 4, could we see an impediment?

Lorraine, who was involved in an illegal hacking scheme, is now likely to be sent to jail. Emily could also face the same fate. She also leaked confidential information during the campaign, so her hands may not be clean. Emily's mother died in a tragic and devastating way. Emily seems a bit fragile.

Next up, Aaron Shores relationship with Isabella will be strained through season 4 with the revelation that she’s now pregnant.

On a happier note, Kall Penn’s Seth is likely going to have a better season with him hooking up with his sperm donor child’s Mom at the end of this season.

Do you wish to see Designated Survivor season 4 return on Netflix? Comment below.