At The Movies

Overview Designated Survivor kicks off with a pretty wild premise—Kiefer Sutherland plays Tom Kirkman, a low-level cabinet guy who suddenly becomes President after an attack wipes out the entire government leadership. What follows is a mix of political drama, conspiracy, and crisis management as he tries to hold the country together and figure out who’s behind it all. The show shines early on with strong leadership themes, moral courage, and some solid character development. It’s got this hopeful, “let’s do the right thing” vibe, especially in Season 1. But by the time it hits Season 3 on Netflix, it gets a bit darker—there’s more swearing, some nudity, and heavier themes. It also leans into political backstabbing and moral gray areas more than it did at first. From a Christian or values-based lens, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. There are moments of integrity and hope, but there’s also content that requires discernment, especially later on. Critics loved the first season, but thought the ...