Designated Survivor Season One Episode Guide

Episode 1×21 “Brace For Impact” (Season Finale)

 
SEASON FINALE OF ABC’S ‘DESIGNATED SURVIVOR’

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.

Designated Survivor stars Kiefer Sutherland as Tom Kirkman, Natascha McElhone as Alex Kirkman, Adan Canto as Aaron Shore, Italia Ricci as Emily Rhodes, LaMonica Garrett as Mike Ritter, with Kal Penn as Seth Wright and Maggie Q as Hannah Wells.

Guest starring are Geoff Pierson as former President Cornelius Moss, Rob Morrow as Abe Leonard, Mark Deklin as Jack Bowman and Kevin R. McNally as Harris Cochrane.

“Brace for Impact” was written by David Guggenheim. Fred Toye is the director.

Air Date: Wednesday, Sunday May 17 (10:00–11:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC.

Episode 1×20 “Bombshell”

PRESIDENT KIRKMAN’S FIRST INTERNATIONAL SUMMIT IS DERAILED

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.

Designated Survivor stars Kiefer Sutherland as Tom Kirkman, Natascha McElhone as Alex Kirkman, Adan Canto as Aaron Shore, Italia Ricci as Emily Rhodes, LaMonica Garrett as Mike Ritter, with Kal Penn as Seth Wright and Maggie Q as Hannah Wells.

“Bombshell” was written by Sang Kyu Kim. Sharat Raju is the director.

Air Date: Wednesday, May 10 (10:00–11:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC.

Photos: “Bombshell”

Episode 1×19 “Misalliance”

CONGRESSWOMAN HOOKSTRATEN BRACES FOR THE FIGHT OF HER POLITICAL LIFE

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 Washington.

Designated Survivor stars Kiefer Sutherland as Tom Kirkman, Natascha McElhone as Alex Kirkman, Adan Canto as Aaron Shore, Italia Ricci as Emily Rhodes, LaMonica Garrett as Mike Ritter with Kal Penn as Seth Wright and Maggie Q as Hannah Wells.

“Misalliance” was written by Dana LeDoux Miller & Jenna Richman. Norberto Barba is the director.

Air Date: Wednesday, May 3 (10:00–11:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC.

Photos: “Misalliance”

Episode 1×18 “Lazarus”

THE WHITE HOUSE FIGHTS TO PROTECT ONE OF THEIR OWN

As President Kirkman considers candidates for Vice President, Kimble Hookstraten finds herself embroiled in scandal. 

Agent Wells and Jason Atwood return from North Dakota with a critical new lead while journalist Abe Leonard’s investigation takes an unexpected turn.

Designated Survivor stars Kiefer Sutherland as Tom Kirkman, Natascha McElhone as Alex Kirkman, Adan Canto as Aaron Shore, Italia Ricci as Emily Rhodes, LaMonica Garrett as Mike Ritter, with Kal Penn as Seth Wright and Maggie Q as Hannah Wells.

“Lazarus” was written by Jennifer Johnson. Chris Grismer is the director.

Air Date: Wednesday, April 26 (10:00 -11:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC.

Photos: “Lazarus”

Episode 1×17 “The Ninth Seat”

 A NEW LEAD SENDS FBI AGENT HANNAH WELLS INTO THE HEART OF THE CONSPIRACY

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.

Designated Survivor stars Kiefer Sutherland as Tom Kirkman, Natascha McElhone as Alex Kirkman, Adan Canto as Aaron Shore, Italia Ricci as Emily Rhodes, LaMonica Garrett as Mike Ritter, with Kal Penn as Seth Wright and Maggie Q as Hannah Wells.

Guest starring are Virginia Madsen as Congresswoman Kimble Hookstraten, Mark Deklin as Senator Jack Bowman and Rob Morrow as Abe Leonard.

“The Ninth Seat” was written by Paul Redford. Fred Toye is the director.

Air Date: Wednesday, April 19 (10:00–11:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC.

Photos: “The Ninth Seat”

Episode 1×16 “Party Lines”

PRESIDENT KIRKMAN AND HIS STAFF FACE AN UPHILL BATTLE TO PASS HIS FIRST PIECE OF LEGISLATION

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.

Designated Survivor stars Kiefer Sutherland as Tom Kirkman, Natascha McElhone as Alex Kirkman, Adan Canto as Aaron Shore, Italia Ricci as Emily Rhodes, LaMonica Garrett as Mike Ritter, with Kal Penn as Seth Wright and Maggie Q as Hannah Wells.

Guest starring are Virginia Madsen as Congresswoman Kimble Hookstraten, Mark Deklin as Senator Jack Bowman and Geoff Pierson as former President Cornelius Moss.

“Party Lines” was written by Jenna Richman. Mike Listo is the director.

Air Date: Wednesday, April 12 (10:00–11:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC.

Photos: “Party Lines”

Episode 1×15 “One Hundred Days”

PRESIDENT KIRKMAN FACES A POLITICAL FIRESTORM WHEN HE ROLLS OUT HIS FIRST POLICY INITIATIVES

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.

Designated Survivor stars Kiefer Sutherland as Tom Kirkman, Natascha McElhone as Alex Kirkman, Adan Canto as Aaron Shore, Italia Ricci as Emily Rhodes, LaMonica Garrett as Mike Ritter, with Kal Penn as Seth Wright and Maggie Q as Hannah Wells.

Guest starring are Virginia Madsen as Congresswoman Kimble Hookstraten and Mark Deklin as Senator Jack Bowman.

“One Hundred Days” was written by Dana Ledoux. Ken Fink is the director.

Air Date: Wednesday, April 5 (10:00–11:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC.

Photos: “One Hundred Days”

Episode 1×14 “Commander-in-Chief”

WHEN AMERICAN LIVES ARE IN DANGER ABROAD, PRESIDENT KIRKMAN MUST RACE AGAINST THE CLOCK TO SAVE THEM

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.

Meanwhile, Emily settles into her new role as chief of staff while Aaron has to make a difficult choice.

Designated Survivor stars Kiefer Sutherland as Tom Kirkman, Natascha McElhone as Alex Kirkman, Adan Canto as Aaron Shore, Italia Ricci as Emily Rhodes, LaMonica Garrett as Mike Ritter with Kal Penn as Seth Wright and Maggie Q as Hannah Wells.

“Commander-in-Chief” was written by Michael Russell Gunn. Fred Toye is the director.

Air Date: Wednesday, March 29 (10:00–11:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC.

Photos: “Commander-in-Chief”

Episode 1×13 “Backfire”

A LEAK TO THE PRESS THROWS THE WHITE HOUSE INTO TURMOIL, AS THE CONSPIRACY HITS CLOSE TO HOME

An investigative journalist shocks the White House when he reveals classified information during a press briefing and leaves Seth struggling to contain the damage from the leaked story.

Meanwhile, Hannah unearths a key connection between MacLeish and the conspiracy.

Designated Survivor stars Kiefer Sutherland as Tom Kirkman, Natascha McElhone as Alex Kirkman, Adan Canto as Aaron Shore, Italia Ricci as Emily Rhodes, LaMonica Garrett as Mike Ritter with Kal Penn as Seth Wright and Maggie Q as Hannah Wells.

“Backfire” was written by Sang Kyu Kim & Pierluigi D. Cothran. Tara Nicole Weyr is the director.

Air Date: Wednesday, March 22 (10:00–11:00 p.m. EDT) on ABC.

Photos: “Backfire”

Episode 1×12 “The End of the Beginning”

AS LOYALTIES CONTINUE TO GET TESTED AGENT HANNAH WELLS UNCOVERS ANOTHER PIECE OF THE CONSPIRACY

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.

A new lead places Agent Wells closer than before to the truth.

Designated Survivor stars Kiefer Sutherland as Tom Kirkman, Natascha McElhone as Alex Kirkman, Adan Canto as Aaron Shore, Italia Ricci as Emily Rhodes, LaMonica Garrett as Mike Ritter with Kal Penn as Seth Wright and Maggie Q as Hannah Wells.

“The End of the Beginning” was written by David Guggenheim. Mike Listo is the director.

Air Date: Wednesday March 15 (10:00 – 11:00 p.m. EDT) on ABC.

Photos: “The End of the Beginning”

Episode 1×11 “Warriors”

THE NATION REELS FROM THE AFTERMATH OF THE SHOOTING ON THE STEPS OF THE CAPITOL

The nation reels from the aftermath of the shooting on the steps of the Capitol while Emily struggles with the knowledge there may be a traitor in the White House.

Meanwhile, FBI Agent Hannah Wells grapples with her decision to reveal what she knows about the conspiracy behind the Capitol bombing.

Designated Survivor stars Kiefer Sutherland as Tom Kirkman, Natascha McElhone as Alex Kirkman, Adan Canto as Aaron Shore, Italia Ricci as Emily Rhodes, LaMonica Garrett as Mike Ritter with Kal Penn as Seth Wright and Maggie Q as Hannah Wells.

“Warriors” was written by Paul Redford and Carol Flint. Stephen Surjik is the director.

Air Date: Wednesday, March 8 (10:00– 11:00 p.m. EST) on ABC.

Photos: “Warriors”

Episode 1×10 “The Oath”

PRESIDENT KIRKMAN WORRIES THERE COULD BE A TRAITOR IN THE WHITE HOUSE

President Kirkman fears there could be a traitor in the White House when he discovers shocking information connected to the Capitol Bombing.

Confiding in Emily, Kirkman puts her in charge of quietly investigating.

Meanwhile, new information surfaces about Congressman MacLeish, raising concerns regarding his vice presidential nomination

Designated Survivor stars Kiefer Sutherland as Tom Kirkman, Natascha McElhone as Alex Kirkman, Adan Canto as Aaron Shore, Italia Ricci as Emily Rhodes, LaMonica Garrett as Mike Ritter with Kal Penn as Seth Wright and Maggie Q as Hannah Wells.

Guest starring Virginia Madsen as Kimble Hookstraten and Kevin R. McNally as Harris Cochrane.

“The Oath” was written by David Guggenheim. Fred Toye is the director.

Air Date: Wednesday, December 14 (10:00–11:00 p.m. EST) on ABC.

Episode 1×09 “The Blueprint”

CLASSIFIED GOVERNMENT DOCMENTS ARE LEAKED ONLINE WHILE AGENT HANNAH WELLS RACES THE CLOCK TO EXPOSE THE TRUTH ABOUT CONGRESSMAN MACLEISH

When classified government documents are leaked online, President Kirkman searches for the party responsible only to find that they have taken refuge inside a foreign embassy and are behind even his reach.

Meanwhile, Agent Hannah Wells races furiously to gather evidence of MacLeish’s involvement in the conspiracy before he can be confirmed as the country’s next Vice President.

Designated Survivor stars Kiefer Sutherland as Tom Kirkman, Natascha McElhone as Alex Kirkman, Adan Canto as Aaron Shore, Italia Ricci as Emily Rhodes, LaMonica Garrett as Mike Ritter with Kal Penn as Seth Wright and Maggie Q as Hannah Wells.

Guest starring Virginia Madsen as Kimble Hookstraten.

“The Blueprint” was written by Dana Dedoux Miller & Michael Russell Gunn.

Air Date: Wednesday, December 7 (10:00–11:00 p.m. EST) on ABC.

Photos: “The Blueprint”

Episode 1×08 “The Results”

A NATIONAL EMERGENCY CAUSES KIRKMAN TO CONSIDER CANCELLING THE HOUSE ELECTIONS

On the eve of the country voting to elect a new House of Representatives, an unexpected development forces Kirkman to consider cancelling the elections entirely.

Meanwhile, news has leaked about Majid Nassar’s death, and Kirkman has to handle the fallout

Designated Survivor stars Kiefer Sutherland as Tom Kirkman, Natascha McElhone as Alex Kirkman, Adan Canto as Aaron Shore, Italia Ricci as Emily Rhodes, LaMonica Garrett as Mike Ritter, with Kal Penn as Seth Wright and Maggie Q as Hannah Wells.

Guest starring Virginia Madsen as Kimble Hookstraten.

“The Results” was written by Paul Redford & Sang Kyu Kim. Chris Grismer is the director.

Air Date: Wednesday, November 30 (10:00–11:00 p.m. EST) on NBC.

Photos: “The Results”

Episode 1×07 “The Traitor”

PRESIDENT KIRKMAN NEGOTIATES AN AMERICAN HOSTAGE EXCHANGE WHILE HANNAH AND FBI DEPUTY DIRECTOR ATWOOD UNCOVER INFORMATION THAT PUTS BOTH THEIR LIVES IN DANGER

When an American track-and-field coach heads to Russia, President Kirkman is thrust into a hostage exchange involving the CIA and the Russian government.

Meanwhile, Agent Hannah Wells and Deputy Director Atwood’s investigation into the Capitol bombing uncovers information that puts Atwood and his family’s life at risk.

“Designated Survivor” stars Kiefer Sutherland as Tom Kirkman, Natascha McElhone as Alex Kirkman, Adan Canto as Aaron Shore, Italia Ricci as Emily Rhodes, LaMonica Garrett as Mike Ritter with Kal Penn as Seth Wright and Maggie Q as Hannah Wells.

“The Traitor” was written by Jennifer Johnson & Michael Russell Gunn. Fred Toye is the director.

Air Date: Wednesday Nov. 16 (10:00—11:00 p.m. EDT) on ABC.

Episode 1×06 “The Interrogation”

SHOTS ARE FIRED DURING A GOVERNORS SUMMIT AT THE WHITE HOUSE WHILE AGENT WELLS MAKES A SHOCKING DISCOVERY ABOUT THE CAPITOL BOMBING

When shots ring out at The White House during a Governors Summit, President Kirkman’s plans at electing a new Congress are thrown into turmoil, while Agent Hannah Wells continues investigating the Capitol bombing and makes one of her most shocking discoveries yet on ABC’s “Designated Survivor,” WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9 (10:00—11:00 p.m. EST).

Designated Survivor stars Kiefer Sutherland as Tom Kirkman, Natascha McElhone as Alex Kirkman, Adan Canto as Aaron Shore, Italia Ricci as Emily Rhodes, LaMonica Garrett as Mike Ritter with Kal Penn as Seth Wright and Maggie Q as Hannah Wells.

“The Interrogation” was written by Barbie Kligman & Jenna Richman. Michael Katleman is the director.

Air Date: Wednesday Nov. 9 (10:00—11:00 p.m. EDT) on ABC.

Photos: “The Interrogation”

Episode 1×05 “The Mission”

WHEN DIPLOMACY FAILS, KIRKMAN IS FORCED TO MAKE A DECISION THAT WILL DEFINE HIS PRESIDENCY

“The Mission” – Realizing his attempts at diplomacy with Algeria have failed, President Kirkman makes the difficult decision of sending Navy SEALs on a mission that will define his presidency. Meanwhile, as the investigation into the Capitol bombing continues, Agent Hannah Wells discovers more secrets than answers

Designated Survivor stars Kiefer Sutherland as Tom Kirkman, Natascha McElhone as Alex Kirkman, Adan Canto as Aaron Shore, Italia Ricci as Emily Rhodes, LaMonica Garrett as Mike Ritter, with Kal Penn as Seth Wright and Maggie Q as Hannah Wells.

“The Mission” was written by Sang Kyu Kim & Michael Russell Gunn. Paul Edwards is the director.

Air Date: Wednesday Oct. 26 (10:00—11:00 p.m. EDT) on ABC.

Photos: The Mission

Episode 1×04 “The Enemy”

THE GROUP BEHIND THE CAPITOL ATTACK IS LOCATED

Kirkman learns who is behind the attack and needs to grapple not only with the prospect of war, but brewing domestic troubles as well.

Kirkman taps Emily to monitor the domestic situation, while Alex may be in for more than she bargains for when she seeks out help from Hookstraten

Designated Survivor stars Kiefer Sutherland as Tom Kirkman, Natascha McElhone as Alex Kirkman, Adan Canto as Aaron Shore, Italia Ricci as Emily Rhodes, LaMonica Garrett as Mike Ritter with Kal Penn as Seth Wright and Maggie Q as Hannah Wells.

Guest starring are Virginia Madsen as Congresswoman Kimble Hookstraten and Kevin R. McNally as Harris Cochran.

“The Enemy” was written by Dana Ledoux Miller & Jon Harmon Feldman.  Paul Edwards is the director.

Air Date: Wednesday Oct. 12 (10:00—11:00 p.m. EDT) on ABC

Photos: The Enemy

Episode 1×03 “The Confession”

THE FBI CONTINUES TO INVESTIGATE THE CAPITOL BOMBING, WHILE PRESIDENT KIRKMAN DEALS WITH A HIGH-LEVEL SECURITY BREACH AND PREPARES FOR HIS FIRST TELEVISION INTERVIEW

ABC News’ Elizabeth Vargas Guest Stars as Herself

President Kirkman and his staff work to keep a high-level security breach of the White House a secret just as he’s about to give his first television interview.

Meanwhile, the FBI continues to investigate the Capitol bombing, and Agent Hannah Wells starts to develop her own theories about who was really behind the attack.

Designated Survivor stars Kiefer Sutherland as Tom Kirkman, Natascha McElhone as Alex Kirkman, Adan Canto as Aaron Shore, Italia Ricci as Emily Rhodes, LaMonica Garrett as Mike Ritter with Kal Penn as Seth Wright and Maggie Q as Hannah Wells.

Guest Starring are Virginia Madsen as Congresswoman Kimble Hookstraten, Kevin R. McNally as Harris Cochran and Elizabeth Vargas as herself.

“The Confession” was written by Jennifer Johnson and Paul Redford.  Sergio Mimca-Gezzan is the director.

Air Date: Wednesday Oct. 5 (10:00—11:00 p.m. EDT) on ABC.

Photos: The Confession

Episode 1×02 “The First Day”

PRESIDENT KIRKMAN STEPS INTO THE ROLE OF COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF BEFORE LEARNING THE SHOCKING NEWS THAT HE WASN’T THE ONLY DESIGNATED SURVIVOR, ON ABC’S ‘DESIGNATED SURVIVOR’

Virginia Madsen Guest Stars

“The First Day” – Hours after the attack on the Capitol, President Kirkman steps into his role as Commander-in-Chief in the midst of chaos and confusion. Facing dangerous new challenges and adversaries, Kirman struggles to hold a country together that is on the brink of falling apart. Virginia Madsen guest stars on the highly anticipated ABC series “Designated Survivor,” WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 (10:00–11:00 p.m. EDT).

“Designated Survivor” stars Kiefer Sutherland as Tom Kirkman, Natascha McElhone as Alex Kirkman, Adan Canto as Aaron Shore, Italia Ricci as Emily Rhodes, LaMonica Garrett as Mike Ritter with Kal Penn as Seth Wright and Maggie Q as Hannah Wells.

“The First Day,” was written by Jon Harmon Feldman and David Guggenheim. Brad Turner is the director.

Air Date: Wednesday Sept 28 (10:00—11:00 p.m. EDT) on ABC.

Photos: The First Day

Episode 1×01 “Pilot”

KIEFER SUTHERLAND RETURNS TO SERIES TELEVISION IN THE THRILLING NEW DRAMA, ‘DESIGNATED SURVIVOR,’ WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, ON ABC

“Pilot” – Kiefer Sutherland stars as Tom Kirkman, a lower-level cabinet member who is suddenly appointed President of the United States after a catastrophic attack on the U.S. Capitol during the State of the Union, on the highly anticipated ABC series “Designated Survivor,” airing WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 (10:00—11:00 p.m. EDT). In this dramatic thriller, Kirkman will struggle to keep the country and his own family from falling apart, while navigating the highly volatile political arena and while leading the search to find who is responsible for the attack.

“Designated Survivor” stars Kiefer Sutherland as Tom Kirkman, Natascha McElhone as Alex Kirkman, Adan Canto as Aaron Shore, Italia Ricci as Emily Rhodes, LaMonica Garrett as Mike Ritter with Kal Penn as Seth Wright and Maggie Q as Hannah Wells.

Guest starring Tanner Buchanan as Leo Kirkman, McKenna Grace as Penny Kirkman, Kevin R. McNally as Harris Cochrane, Malik Yoba as Jason Atwood, Arjay Smith as Nolan, Alex Quijano as Lawrence, Richard Bekins as President Richmond, Elias Zarou as Ambassador Ahmed Fayad, Peter Outerbridge as Charlie Langdon, Rothaford Gray as Acting Defense Secretary, Krista Morin as Acting FBI Director, Catherine Tait as Acting Health & Human Resources Secretary, Matthew Olver as Acting Transportation Secretary, Michael Kinney as Acting Treasury Secretary, Dan MacKay as Air Force Major, Doug MacLeod as Acting Secretary of State, Robin Cunningham as Major Scott Cameron, Darlene Cooke as DC Appellate Judge and Tyler Burton as Caleb West.

Air Date: Wednesday Sept. 21 on ABC.

Photos: Pilot