Status Overview
Designated Survivor was cancelled after its third season on ABC and was not renewed for a fourth broadcast season. The series later moved to Netflix for a 10-episode third season that served as the final season, ending in 2019. This status clarification explains the difference between the network cancellation and the eventual streaming conclusion, and why no new seasons have been produced since.
Season-by-Season Status
Seasons 1 and 2 on ABC
Originally aired on ABC with full season orders for both Year 1 and Year 2. Both seasons were completed and concluded on the broadcast network before the show left linear TV.
Season 3 on Netflix
Netflix ordered a 10-episode third season after ABC cancelled the series. This season premiered and concluded on the streaming service, delivering a definitive series finale in 2019.
| Season | Platform | Episodes | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ABC | 21 | 2016 | Completed |
| 2 | ABC | 22 | 2017 | Completed |
| 3 | Netflix | 10 | 2019 | Final season |
Why Was the Show Cancelled on ABC?
Designated Survivor was cancelled by ABC after two seasons despite solid ratings for a mid-season replacement. According to industry reporting at the time, the decision reflected scheduling challenges, creative planning for a serialized drama, and network-level strategy rather than a sharp drop in viewership.
How Did Netflix Revive the Series?
Following the ABC cancellation, Netflix acquired the series and commissioned a 10-episode third season. This move provided a streaming-first conclusion and allowed the story to reach an international audience beyond the U.S. broadcast footprint.
Key Details at a Glance
- Cancellation network: ABC after Season 2
- Revival platform: Netflix
- Final season: Season 3, 10 episodes, 2019
- Overall status: Ended, no further seasons planned
- Lead actor: Kiefer Sutherland as President Tom Kirkman
Common Questions
Was Designated Survivor renewed after cancellation?
No renewal occurred on ABC after the initial cancellation. The series was effectively renewed by Netflix for a single third season that concluded the story.
Did the series get cancelled twice?
It was cancelled once by ABC and then concluded by Netflix; there has been no new production or continuation after Season 3.
How many episodes are there in total?
The complete series comprises 43 episodes across three seasons.
Summary
Designated Survivor was cancelled by ABC after two seasons and later revived in a 10-episode final season on Netflix. No further seasons have been commissioned since the 2019 finale, making the series concluded.