A new political drama on ABC will explore what would happen if the entire leadership of the U.S. government was wiped out and one mid-level Cabinet official was left behind to lead the nation.
The creator of “Designated Survivor,” David Guggenheim, said the show in some ways reflects the anger people have toward the government.
“At a time when the American people are so fed up, there is some wish fulfillment to the thought of ‘one of us’ in the White House, using common-sense solutions as well as the idea of getting to start over from scratch,” he told TV Guide.
The show stars Kiefer Sutherland as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Tom Kirkman, who becomes president (aka the “designated survivor”) after the sitting president, vice president and every Cabinet member are killed in an explosion during a State of the Union address.
Sutherland, best known as Jack Bauer on “24,” said he is excited to combat terrorism from behind a fictional desk, as opposed to with guns and fists.
“Maybe this is the time in my life to be making an intelligent or passionate argument, as opposed to fighting three guys at once,” he said.
He is also hoping that “24” fans are OK with him not getting his hands dirty on this show.
“I hope that people aren’t expecting me to be doing stunts in the Oval Office, because it’s not gonna happen,” he said.
“Designated Survior” premieres on Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 10 p.m. on ABC.
