Designated Survivor is a political thriller that captivated audiences with its gripping plot, stellar performances, and its bold approach to real-world issues. The series, which aired from 2016 to 2019, revolves around Tom Kirkman, a low-level cabinet member who unexpectedly becomes the President of the United States after a terrorist attack wipes out the government. Throughout its run, the show explored themes of power, survival, and politics, all while delivering intense drama and suspense.
One question that often comes up among fans and followers of the show is: When was Designated Survivor filmed? The answer involves not just the time frame of production but also insights into the filming locations, challenges the production faced, and the broader context of the show’s timeline in the television industry. This article provides an in-depth look at the filming process, breaking down the stages, locations, and the key factors that made Designated Survivor a remarkable show.
The Genesis of Designated Survivor and Pre-Production
Before diving into the specifics of when the show was filmed, it’s essential to understand how Designated Survivor came to life. The series was created by David Guggenheim, who had a background in screenwriting and television production. Guggenheim’s goal was to bring a fresh perspective to political thrillers, combining high-stakes drama with contemporary political issues.
The idea for the show originated in the mid-2010s, and it quickly caught the attention of ABC, which agreed to develop it. Pre-production for Designated Survivor officially began in early 2016, with casting, set design, and the creation of scripts taking center stage. The show was envisioned as a serialized political drama, and its unique premise — where an unknown, low-ranking cabinet member becomes the President — set it apart from other political thrillers.
The Filming Timeline of Designated Survivor
Designated Survivor premiered on September 21, 2016, but filming for the first season started much earlier. To understand the timeline of when the series was filmed, it’s important to break it down by season:
Season 1 Filming Schedule
Filming for the first season of Designated Survivor began in the spring of 2016. The production was primarily based in Toronto, Canada, which served as the show’s stand-in for Washington, D.C. Though many of the scenes were set in the White House and the U.S. Capitol, the production team chose Toronto because of the city’s versatile architecture, its strong filming infrastructure, and favorable tax incentives.
The first season of Designated Survivor features 21 episodes, and filming took place from May 2016 until late November of the same year. During this time, the team shot numerous action-packed and emotionally intense scenes, ranging from the immediate aftermath of the Capitol bombing to political maneuvering inside the White House. In addition to Toronto, some outdoor shots were taken in nearby areas of Ontario.
Season 2 Filming Schedule
After the success of Season 1, ABC greenlit Season 2 of Designated Survivor. Filming for the second season started in the summer of 2017, roughly six months after the conclusion of the first season. Just like the first season, Toronto was again used as the main filming location.
Season 2 of Designated Survivor expanded the scope of the story, with new characters and even higher stakes. It aired on ABC from September 27, 2017, to May 16, 2018. The production timeline for this season was similar to the first one, with the bulk of filming taking place during the second half of 2017.
Season 3 Filming Schedule (Netflix)
In May 2018, Designated Survivor was canceled by ABC, leaving fans disappointed. However, Netflix stepped in and picked up the series for a third season, which premiered on June 7, 2019. The third season marked a major shift, as the series was now produced as a Netflix original, and it was also longer in terms of the number of episodes, with 10 episodes in total.
Filming for Season 3 began in late 2018, with production once again taking place in Toronto. The change in network led to some creative shifts, as the tone of the show became darker, and more complex storylines involving conspiracy theories, international politics, and government corruption took center stage. This season also experimented with a more serialized format, offering deeper character development and longer narrative arcs.
The filming process for Season 3 was completed by mid-2019, aligning with its Netflix release that summer.
Filming Locations for Designated Survivor
While the series is set in Washington, D.C., much of Designated Survivor was filmed in Toronto and surrounding areas. Toronto is a popular filming location for many TV shows and movies because of its diverse architecture, tax incentives, and experienced production crews. Here’s a closer look at some of the primary filming locations:
Toronto as Washington, D.C.
Toronto’s downtown core doubled as the U.S. capital in Designated Survivor. Iconic government buildings and historic locations from Washington, D.C., were replicated in Toronto, including:
The White House: While the actual White House was not recreated in Toronto, many of the interior scenes were filmed in various studios and soundstages. The production designers worked meticulously to create an authentic representation of the Oval Office, the Situation Room, and other key areas within the White House.
The U.S. Capitol: For scenes that required outdoor shots or the exterior of the Capitol Building, the production team used various Toronto locations. The actual U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., was not physically replicated, but the filming locations in Toronto closely resembled its appearance.
Ontario’s Suburbs and Outdoor Shots
In addition to Toronto, various suburban and rural locations in Ontario were used for some of the outdoor shots. Some of the political rallies, street scenes, and emergency response actions were filmed in areas like Mississauga, Hamilton, and Oakville. These locations offered diverse settings that allowed the production to simulate the broader geographical scope of the United States.
Studio Filming and Soundstages
For many of the intricate interior scenes — including the White House corridors, the Capitol Hill offices, and the Oval Office — production teams worked in Toronto’s renowned soundstages and studios. Some of these were located in the Pinewood Toronto Studios, a facility known for hosting major Hollywood productions.
The Challenges of Filming Designated Survivor
Filming Designated Survivor came with its own set of unique challenges. The series was shot in Canada, but much of the content was based on American politics and government. This created a need for careful attention to detail when replicating real-world locations and maintaining the authenticity of the show’s political atmosphere.
One of the major challenges was recreating Washington, D.C.’s iconic landmarks, such as the Capitol Building, the White House, and the Supreme Court. The production team had to ensure that every detail — from the architecture to the decor — was as close to the real thing as possible. While the production team didn’t have access to the actual buildings, they relied on extensive research and real-world blueprints to create accurate replicas in Toronto.
Another challenge was the portrayal of American politics, particularly the power dynamics within the White House. While the show wasn’t directly modeled after real-life figures or events, Designated Survivor often tackled real-world political issues such as terrorism, government secrecy, and international diplomacy. The writers had to balance the show’s fictional narrative with a portrayal of the U.S. government that was both believable and compelling.
Conclusion
The filming process of Designated Survivor was essential in bringing the show’s bold, dramatic storyline to life. From the production team’s choice to film in Toronto to the meticulous attention to detail when replicating Washington, D.C., the series’ filming locations and schedule played a pivotal role in creating its authentic and immersive atmosphere.
Whether set in the heart of the White House or across the globe, Designated Survivor delivered thrilling political drama, high-stakes tension, and thoughtful exploration of the modern political landscape. The filming process — which spanned several years and multiple seasons — helped cement the series as a must-watch for fans of political thrillers.
Designated Survivor may have had a relatively short run, but its lasting impact continues to be felt in both the television and political thriller genres. Through the lens of its intricate production and global storytelling, the show remains an example of how filming locations and schedules can shape the success of a television series.
