Where to start
Designated Survivor
2 versions · originally a series, 2016
These political thrillers explore the sudden, chaotic ascension of an apolitical cabinet member thrust into the presidency following a catastrophic national attack.
✦ Most fans start here
Designated Survivor (2016)
The original tv
✦ Start hereDesignated Survivor
David Guggenheim · Series · 2016
Designated Survivor (2016) establishes the definitive template for the premise, offering a high-stakes American perspective on presidential succession that serves as the essential foundation for the entire franchise.
2019 series
Designated Survivor: 60 Days
Tae-heui Kim · Series · 2019
Designated Survivor: 60 Days (2019) provides a distinct South Korean cultural lens on the original premise, focusing specifically on the internal struggle of a scientist-turned-politician navigating the complexities of unexpected executive power.
Common questions
Is Designated Survivor: 60 Days a direct sequel to the 2016 Designated Survivor series?
No, Designated Survivor: 60 Days is not a direct sequel to the 2016 Designated Survivor series. It is a separate adaptation of the same premise, produced in 2019, that reimagines the narrative within the context of the South Korean political system.
What order should I watch the Designated Survivor titles in?
There is no required viewing order for these titles. The 2016 Designated Survivor series and the 2019 Designated Survivor: 60 Days are independent productions. You can watch either version of the story first without needing prior knowledge of the other.
How long is the 2016 Designated Survivor series?
The 2016 Designated Survivor television series consists of three seasons. It follows the story of a lower-level cabinet member who becomes president after a catastrophic attack, and it is entirely separate from the 2019 production titled Designated Survivor: 60 Days.
Is Designated Survivor: 60 Days the same show as the 2016 Designated Survivor?
While both shows share the same title and core premise, Designated Survivor: 60 Days is a distinct 2019 production. It is a standalone adaptation of the 2016 Designated Survivor concept, featuring a different setting and cast to reflect its specific regional production.