Designated Survivor was cancelled after two seasons on ABC, but why? Variety has offered its take:
The show, from Mark Gordon Co./Entertainment One and ABC Studios, had been a strong draw for eOne in international markets, an important factor these days in the survival of any scripted series. And Sutherland is the kind of name-brand star that broadcast networks like to have in their sizzle reels.
But “Designated Survivor” was handicapped almost from the start by a revolving door of showrunners. Entertainment One had lined up drama veteran Neal Baer to take the helm of season three, which would have made him the show’s fifth showrunner. Sutherland per his contract had veto power over showrunners and had approved Baer. Sources say Baer had been busy this week meeting with writers to assemble a new staff before the word of the cancellation came down.
Another factor that may have played a part in ABC’s decision to pull the plug was the fact that Sutherland’s contract called for production of the show to move to Los Angeles in season three, after two seasons in Toronto. Such a move would have raised the cost of producing a show that was already on the higher-end of budget for broadcast dramas.
Will you miss Designated Survivor? Hoping the series gets picked up elsewhere?
Lori says
Ahhhhhhhh !
I really like this show !
Dale says
DITTO!!!!!
greenmantis says
Thank God this crap show got cancelled. I quit watching it because they just kept pushing their liberal agenda. Obviously written by left wing demoturds. Same thing with Quantico. Another left wing show I am ecstatic that got cancelled. Both shows were junk!
ReneCat says
I will NEVER watch another ABC program for as long as I live! And greenmantis your problem is that the show wouldn’t kiss ass liberal or conservative! I hope eOne is successful in taking DS to another network not only to give the (figurative)finger to ABC but also to psycho party followers like greenmantis!
Sue Cugini says
I am really saddened that this show got the ax. I hope that another network picks it up because it has drama tension, good acting, and interesting storylines.
joe says
Great show and an even better cast. ABC always cancels the good shows and keeps the bad ones. I don’t know who makes these decisions at ABC but they need to be replaced. Hope the show doesn’t die and that someone picks it up.
Russ Sands says
I really liked this show.