Designated Survivor Season 1

Kiefer Sutherland, the former star of '24', has confirmed his role in ABC's political thriller 'Designated Survivor', where he plays the President of the United States and also serves as an executive producer. 'Designated Survivor' tells the story of Tom Kirkman (played by Kiefer Sutherland), a low-level cabinet member who suddenly becomes President after a terrorist attack kills everyone in the presidential line of succession above him. (The designated survivor is a cabinet member deliberately kept away when the President and other senior leaders of the country are gathered together, ensuring that there is someone to become President and continue leading the United States in the event of the deaths of the President, Vice President, congressional leaders, and all cabinet members.) Kal Penn, known for 'House', plays Seth Wright, the speechwriter for the main character Tom Kirkman, while Italia Ricci from 'Chasing Life' portrays the serious White House Chief of Staff Emily. Maggie Q, from 'Stalker' and 'Nikita', plays Hannah Wells, an FBI agent leading the investigation into the bombing terror attack at the Capitol, and Natascha McElhone from 'Californication' plays Tom Kirkman's wife, a lawyer for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, who suddenly becomes the First Lady.