Designated Survivor (2016)
A sudden presidency thrusts a cabinet member into a gritty, suspenseful fight for the nation's survival.
Tom Kirkman, a low-level cabinet member is suddenly appointed President of the United States after a catastrophic attack during the State of the Union kills everyone above him in the Presidential line of succession.
How intense is Designated Survivor?
Designated Survivor is mildly scary, with no gore and some violence. Emotionally it is heavy. The pace is measured, and it is a full-attention watch. Rated TV-14.
What Designated Survivor feels like
- Tone
- suspensefulgrittyintimateearnest
- Pace
- Measured
- Best for
- Full attention
Where to stream Designated Survivor
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 10, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is Designated Survivor for you?
Is Designated Survivor scary?
Only a little. Designated Survivor has a few tense moments (scare level 1 of 3), nothing that follows you to bed.
Is Designated Survivor gory or violent?
No gore (0 of 3) and some violence (1 of 3). Squeamish viewers are fine here.
Is Designated Survivor sad or heavy?
It is emotionally heavy (2 of 3). Expect it to land.
Is Designated Survivor OK for kids?
It is rated TV-14. Intensity: scare 1, gore 0, violence 1, each out of 3. Your call for older kids.
Where can I stream Designated Survivor?
Designated Survivor is streaming on Netflix.
Cast and crew
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