Where to start withDesignated Survivor
2 versions · originally a series, 2016
Themes: Accidental President, Government Conspiracy, National Security Crisis, Survival, Rebuilding.
Start with Designated Survivor (David Guggenheim, 2016) — the series. Designated Survivor exists in 2 versions across media, beginning as a series in 2016; each is ranked below by what it does best.
The political thriller explores the sudden, chaotic ascension of an apolitical cabinet member to 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) serves as the definitive original series, offering a high-stakes American perspective on the immediate fallout and complex power dynamics following a devastating, total government collapse.
2019 series
Designated Survivor: 60 Days
Tae-heui Kim · Series · 2019
Designated Survivor: 60 Days (2019) provides a localized adaptation that explores the unique political landscape of South Korea, centering on a scientist-turned-politician thrust into an unexpected, high-pressure leadership role.
Common questions
Is Designated Survivor: 60 Days a direct sequel to Designated Survivor?
No, Designated Survivor: 60 Days is not a direct sequel. It is a South Korean television adaptation of the original 2016 Designated Survivor series, following a similar premise but set within the context of the South Korean political system.
What is the relationship between the 2016 Designated Survivor and the 2019 series?
The 2019 series Designated Survivor: 60 Days is a localized adaptation of the American television series Designated Survivor. While the core concept of a low-level official becoming the leader after a catastrophic event remains the same, the narrative is adapted for a different cultural setting.
Should I watch Designated Survivor before starting Designated Survivor: 60 Days?
You do not need to watch the 2016 Designated Survivor to understand Designated Survivor: 60 Days. Both shows are independent versions of the same premise, so you can watch either series without prior knowledge of the other production.
Are Designated Survivor and Designated Survivor: 60 Days the same show?
They are not the same show. Designated Survivor is an American television series from 2016, while Designated Survivor: 60 Days is a 2019 South Korean adaptation. Each series features different casts and settings based on the original show concept.