After running for three seasons, Netflix recently announced that "Designated Survivor" will not return for a fourth season. The first two seasons were on ABC, but the show was canceled after that. Netflix swooped in and brought it back for a third season. Although it seemed to be doing well, contracts with the actors seem to be the reason why it was canceled.
Designated Survivor tackled the problems that plagued the United States following Keifer Sutherland as President Tom Kirkman. Personally, I was a big fan of the show due to how pertinent the issues were and how well the show tackled it. Hearing that it was canceled after season two was disappointing, but the revival by Netflix really brought my hopes up. Season three had an interesting story plot, but President Kirkman just didn't feel the same. He felt watered down and not as sharp as he used to be. However, it isn't all negatives. The issues they tackled, such as the opioid crisis and immigration, were so relevant and really hit home. The newest addition to the episode is that they include interviews from people affected by the topic they're tackling. One of the episodes that really got to me was about how medicine that should be affordable have inflated prices due to the pharmaceutical industry. It showed a video of a mother who lost her son due to him rationing his insulin since he couldn't afford it. Although the main plot of the season was summed up, there were some cliffhangers that were left in the last episode.
Spoilers ahead!
Season three watched the turbulent relationship between Isabel Pardo and Aaron Shore. The relationship ended, but Pardo found out she was pregnant in the final few minutes of the final episode. It isn't known whether or not she'll tell Aaron or how she'll deal with it. Another loose end is how Kirkman will treat the presidency. He tried his best to stay independent, but that's just not how politics works. Hopefully, the writers will release a statement that helps close the show, but overall it's a shame that it had to end this way.