Designated Survivor is a political drama series that premiered in 2016 and rocked the crowds with its story and characters. The series follows Tom Kirkman, a low-level Cabinet member thrust into the presidency after a cataclysmic attack during a State of the Union address. So here is the DRAMA Highlight, where the DRAMA Blog goes on a deep dive into the cast of Designated Survivor and traces the life of the actors that make the compelling cast of this Netflix series. This mini-series will delve not only into what their jobs were and what their lives were like, but also their contributions to the making of the hit show.
Designated Survivor — Kiefer Sutherland as Tom Kirkman
Kiefer Sutherland stars as Tom Kirkman, a low-level cabinet member thrust into the role of President of the United States. Before “Designated Survivor” — and, yes, you knew this was coming — most of us had come to know Sutherland best as Jack Bauer, from “24,” a character who had already turned him into a household name in TV dramas involving lots of killing. As Kirkman, Sutherland blends vulnerability with determination, making for a leader who is both relatable and decisive. His performance not only anchors the show, allowing him to function as a straight man against the more absurd plotlines, but also shows the range of an actor who can juggle the political with the personal storm, the fate of the world with the fate of his marriage, that so make up his character.
Designated Survivor cast: Natascha McElhone as Alex Kirkman
Tom’s spouse and a major part of his support system, Alex Kirkman is portrayed by Natascha McElhone. McElhone (who’s appeared in the likes of “The Truman Show” and the series “Californication”) gives the character, Alex — a lawyer and affordable housing advocate — dimensionality, given that she, too, needs to adjust and embark on her newfound role as First Lady. It adds another dimension to the personal and public price paid by political families — a price of which Wikle is an eyewitness. Her chemistry with Sutherland, who develops an increasingly redemptive stature as the series goes on, is palpable, and infuses the show with a new dimension and emotional resonance.
Aaron Shore Portrayed by: Adan Canto
Adan Canto as Aaron Shore, the White House deputy chief of staff who becomes vice president. Canto, who is best known for his role in “X-Men: Days of Future Past” and the “Blood & Oil” series, echoes the intricacies of a political strategist pulled between loyalty and ambition. His character’s arc is among the more compelling, moving through the murky waters of Washington politics and power with both cleverness and earnestness. Canto imbues Aaron with a high energy and subtlety that makes him a standout character on the show.
Designated Survivor Cast: Italia Ricci as Emily Rhodes
Italia Ricci Ricci, above, who previously starred on “Chasing Life,” brings a fierce, smart, empathetic presence to Emily Rhodes, Tom Kirkman’s chief of staff and confidante. Her character’s position is often as a moral compass for the president, helping and guiding him through some of his most difficult choices. That care is a big part of what makes the show work, and Ricci makes this character, who is capable of delivering equal amounts of strength and empathy, central to it.
Mike Ritter as played by LaMonica Garrett – Designated Survivor Cast
Mike Ritter, a Secret Service Agent assigned to protect President Kirkman, is portrayed by LaMonica Garrett. Most recognizable from “Sons of Anarchy” and “The Last Ship,” Garrett also projects an authoritative but protective air in his role. His work as a loyal, dedicated and committed agent protects the current president, highlighting a complex sensitive role that, although required for his duties, is often overseen in life of the political establishment.
Designated Survivor: Maggie Q as Hannah Wells
Maggie Q stars as Hannah Wells, the F.B.I. agent tasked with exposing the conspiracy that led to the attack on the Capitol. Made formidable here by Maggie Q, who has worked in action series like “Nikita.” With her dogged quest for the truth and steel trap investigative instincts, she is one of the show’s most fascinating and complicated characters.
Designated Survivor Cast — Kal Penn as Seth Wright
Kal Penn, whom you may have seen in the movie “Harold & Kumar,” and who actually worked with the Obama administration, plays White House Communications Director Seth Wright. Penn’s background as an actor lends credence to his appearing in the show, which balances goofy bliss with serious-minded policy discussions. His character is comic relief but it’s also a sober commentary on a realistic view of the challenge of managing the nation’s perspective on itself during times of crisis.
Designated Survivor Cast: Kendra Daynes (played by Zoe McLellan)
Zoe McLellan plays Kendra Daynes, a White House counsel who joins in as the series progresses. (Previously featured on “NCIS: New Orleans,” McLellan portrays a principled, no-nonsense lawyer who becomes a close member of President Kirkman’s team.) This puts her performances on the inside as she charts the ethical dilemmas and legal challenges facing the highest offices of government on a day-to-day basis — an essential subplot in the political intrigue of “Designated Survivor.”
Cast of Designated Survivor: Paulo Costanzo as Lyor Boone
The White House Political Director, Lyor Boone, is played by Paulo Costanzo. Known for “Royal Pains,” Costanzo Alavi imbues his character with a quirkiness tinged with calculating, and offers window dressings of the political maneuvering in the Kirkman administration. His character not only analytical at times but seems awkward, mirroring a different kind of lens through which to explore political strategizing, and serving as a complement to the show’s depiction of White House business.
Designated Survivor Cast: Ben Lawson as Damian Rennett
Ben Lawson stars as Damian Rennett, an MI6 agent who teams up with the FBI Agent Hannah Wells. Lawson, of “The Deep End,” brings an international flavor to the series but also an air of mystery, as the layers of the conspiracy deepen. His dynamic with Maggie Q’s character is fraught with tension and alliance, propelling the investigative plot line forward.
Designated Survivor Who Stopped Listening}: Reed Diamond as John Forstell
Reed Diamond as John Forstell, the F.B.I.’s Director. A television veteran (think “Homicide: Life on the Street” and “Dollhouse”), Diamond is convincing as a man conflicted by both his obligations and his conscience. His position as a law enforcement officer during a time of crisis also brings levity to the series, reflecting the struggles national security officials endure when the regime of law and order is scrambled with chaos.
Conclusion
Or, led by a cast of multi-hyphenates, not one of whom’s part isn’t in some way pepped up by the addition of a different stripe of this ensemble to the mix? This ensemble not only provides a rich texture for the storytelling, but also reflects the much messier side of political life. The numbers at the top of their heads point the way to broader entertainments — the psychological struggles, the moral ambiguity, the human conflicts — that can pass through in their own right the serious issues faced by nearly everyone at the apex of politics, business, the arts, entertainment and everything else that comes with power and influence.
FAQs
Who is the president in Designated Survivor? Who is President Tom Kirkman on “Designated Survivor”?
Is Designated Survivor a true story? No, “Designated Survivor” is a fictional show, though it is inspired by a real-life protocol of designating a survivor at major government events.
What are the seasons of “Designated Survivor”? There are three seasons of “Designated Survivor.”
Was any of the Designated Survivor cast politically experienced? Yes, Kal Penn, who plays Seth Wright, is played by an actor who really does have real-life political experience in the Obama White House.
What platform is “Designated Survivor” on? You can see all three seasons of “Designated Survivor” on Netflix.
