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Designated Survivor Season 1 Episodes
Season 1 Episode Guide
21 Episodes 2016 - 2017
Season 1 of "Designated Survivor" begins with the lowly Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Tom Kirkman (Kiefer Sutherland), being told he's literally the only guy left to become president when a devastating explosion rips through the Capitol during the State of the Union. In the aftermath, President Kirkman teams up with Congresswoman Kimble Hookstraten (Virginia Madsen), the GOP's chosen designated survivor, to bring stability back to the country. He also makes Congressman Peter MacLeish (Ashley Zukerman), the lone survivor of the catastrophe, his new vice president. Meanwhile, the FBI desperately try to uncover how the attack was even possible, with Agent Hannah Wells (Maggie Q) and Deputy Director Jason Atwood (Malik Yoba) suspecting it was an inside job. Also starring Natascha McElhone and Kal Penn.
Episode 1
Pilot
Wed, Sep 21, 2016 60 mins
Tom Kirkman, a lower level United States Cabinet member, finds himself suddenly appointed president of the country after a catastrophic attack kills everyone above him in the line of succession in the series premiere of this dramatic thriller.
Episode 2
The First Day
Wed, Sep 28, 2016 60 mins
Hours after the attack on the Capitol, President Kirkman steps into his new role as commander-in-chief. In the midst of the chaos and confusion of the situation that threatens to tear the country apart, he's also faced with dangerous challenges and adversaries, in addition to the shocking news that he wasn't the only designated survivor.
Episode 3
The Confession
Wed, Oct 5, 2016 60 mins
The FBI's investigation into the Capitol bombing continues, with Agent Hannah Wells starting to develop her own theories as to who's responsible. Meanwhile, President Kirkman and his staff deal with a high-level security breach of the White House, which they try to keep secret as Tom prepares for his first TV interview as POTUS.
Episode 4
The Enemy
Wed, Oct 12, 2016 60 mins
The prospect of war hangs over Kirkman when he learns who is behind the attack on the Capitol, while at the same time he deals with brewing domestic troubles. As Emily is tapped to monitor the situation at home, Alex feels uneasy about her decision to reach out to Hookstraten for help.
Episode 5
The Mission
Wed, Oct 26, 2016 60 mins
President Kirkman attempts diplomacy with Algeria, but fails, forcing him to make a difficult decision that will define his years in the White House. Meanwhile, more secrets than answers are uncovered as Hannah continues her investigation into the Capitol bombing.
Episode 6
The Interrogation
Wed, Nov 9, 2016 60 mins
Shots are fired at the White House during a Governors Summit; President Kirkman must regroup after his plans for electing a new Congress are thrown into turmoil; Agent Wells makes a shocking discovery while investigating the Capitol bombing.
Episode 7
The Traitor
Wed, Nov 16, 2016 60 mins
President Kirkman negotiates a hostage exchange involving the CIA, the Russian government and an American track-and-field coach. Elsewhere, FBI Deputy Director Atwood worries for the safety of his family after he and Hannah uncover information about the Capitol bombing.
Episode 8
The Results
Wed, Nov 30, 2016 60 mins
A national emergency forces Kirkman to consider canceling the election to vote for a new House of Representatives; at the same time, he also deals with fallout from a leaked report of Majid Nassar's death.
Episode 9
The Blueprint
Wed, Dec 7, 2016 60 mins
President Kirkman deals with classified government documents being leaked online by a group that have taken refuge inside a foreign embassy that's beyond his reach. Meanwhile, Hannah is running out of time to prove MacLeish's involvement in the conspiracy before his confirmation as vice president.
Episode 10
The Oath
Wed, Dec 14, 2016 60 mins
Shocking information related to the Capitol bombing case gives President Kirkman reason to suspect there could be a traitor in the White House, which he asks Emily to quietly investigate. Meanwhile, concerns are raised about Congressman MacLeish.
Episode 11
Warriors
Wed, Mar 8, 2017 60 mins
America reels from the aftermath of the shooting on the steps of the Capitol; Emily struggles with the knowledge there may be a traitor in the White House; and Hannah grapples with her decision to reveal what she knows about the conspiracy behind the bombing.
Episode 12
The End of the Beginning
Wed, Mar 15, 2017 60 mins
Circles must tighten as a new discovery within the conspiracy emerges. Meanwhile, tension rises between Aaron and Emily as suspicions loom in the White House. Finally, a new lead places Agent Wells closer than before to the truth.
Episode 13
Backfire
Wed, Mar 22, 2017 60 mins
An investigative journalist shocks the White House when he reveals classified information during a press briefing and leaves Seth struggling to contain the damage. Meanwhile, Hannah unearths a key connection between MacLeish and the conspiracy.
Episode 14
Commander-in-Chief
Wed, Mar 29, 2017 60 mins
Turmoil in an African country forces President Kirkman to rely on an unlikely ally for help, as Hannah's investigation into the Capitol bombing takes an unexpected turn. Elsewhere, Emily settles into her new role as chief of staff, while Aaron has to make a difficult choice.
Episode 15
One Hundred Days
Wed, Apr 5, 2017 60 mins
As President Kirkman releases an agenda to reset his presidency, Alex makes a controversial public statement that threatens to derail it. Meanwhile, FBI agent Hannah Wells unknowingly finds herself in the center of a dangerous trap while getting closer to the truth.
Episode 16
Party Lines
Wed, Apr 12, 2017 60 mins
President Kirkman forms an unlikely alliance in the hopes of passing his first bill while Agent Ritter is briefed by FBI Agent Hannah Wells about a new alarming threat to the nation.
Episode 17
The Ninth Seat
Wed, Apr 19, 2017 60 mins
As President Kirkman struggles to put together a new Supreme Court, FBI Agent Hannah Wells goes undercover and discovers much more than she ever could have imagined. Meanwhile, Seth Wright has to contend with journalist Abe Leonard, who returns from the Middle East with an explosive story.
Episode 18
Lazarus
Wed, Apr 26, 2017 60 mins
As President Kirkman considers candidates for vice president, Kimble Hookstraten finds herself embroiled in scandal. Meanwhile, Agent Wells and Jason Atwood return from North Dakota with a critical new lead; at the same time, journalist Abe Leonard's investigation takes an unexpected turn.
Episode 19
Misalliance
Wed, May 3, 2017 60 mins
As the White House gears up for President Kirkman's first international summit, Kimble Hookstraten faces her toughest political battle yet when her speakership is challenged. Meanwhile, Alex wrestles with whether or not to bring the kids back to D.C.
Episode 20
Bombshell
Wed, May 10, 2017 60 mins
President Kirkman's first international summit is derailed when journalist Abe Leonard publishes an explosive article. Meanwhile, Hannah Wells uncovers the conspiracy's next target.
Episode 21
Brace for Impact
Wed, May 17, 2017 60 mins
In the nail-biting season finale, Hannah Wells must stop the conspiracy from carrying out a final attack while President Kirkman authorizes a nationwide manhunt for the mastermind behind it all.
