ABC Orders Drama ‘Designated Survivor’ for 2016-17

ABC, which will unveil its fall lineup to advertisers next Tuesday, has confirmed the series pick-up of Kiefer Sutherland drama “Designated Survivor.” The series centers on Tom Kirkman (Sutherland), a lower cabinet member who unexpectedly becomes president after a devastating attack on Washington. He will struggle to prevent the country and his own family from falling into chaos, as he is thrust into one of the most difficult presidencies in history.

Also featured will be Joining be Natascha McElhone (“Californication”) as Tom’s wife, Alex Kirkman; Maggie Q (“Nikita”) as Hannah Watts, the FBI agent leading the case on the attack; Kal Penn (“House”) as Seth Wheeler, a speech writer; and Italia Ricci (“Chasing Life”) as Emily Rhodes, Tom’s chief of staff. LaMonica Garrett, Tanner Buchanan, and Adan Canto are also set to appear.

David Guggenheim (“Safe House”) created the series and will pen the script and executive produce alongside Simon Kinberg, Sutherland, Aditya Sood and Suzan Bymel. Thirteen episodes have been ordered. What follows is the trailer for “Designated Survivor”: