TV series
Declare your independence
Tom Kirkman, a low-level cabinet member is suddenly appointed President of the United States after a catastrophic attack during the State of the Union kills everyone above him in the Presidential line of succession.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Checked Jul 22, 2026
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Tom Kirkman, a low-level cabinet member is suddenly appointed President of the United States after a catastrophic attack during the State of the Union kills everyone above him in the Presidential line of succession.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
Now running for office for the first time, Kirkman and his nascent campaign stumble out of the gate. Wells gets a critical reassignment.
Directed by Chris GrismerWritten by Adam SteinGuest stars Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Geoff Pierson, Jennifer Wigmore, Mckenna Grace, Wendy Lyon, Benjamin Charles Watson, Jake Foy, Julie White
Episode 2
A heated debate over child marriage roils Kirkman's staff. Opioid addiction hits home for Mars. A biohacker turns Wells onto a chilling new threat.
Directed by Peter LetoWritten by Dawn DeNoonGuest stars Jennifer Wigmore, Mckenna Grace, Chukwudi Iwuji, Wendy Lyon, Benjamin Charles Watson, Jake Foy, Julie White, Lauren Holly
Episode 3
A political attack on Kirkman puts privacy and transgender rights in the spotlight. Aaron weighs a major decision. Wells and Eli track a bioterrorist.
Directed by Timothy BusfieldWritten by Peter NoahGuest stars Mckenna Grace, Chukwudi Iwuji, Benjamin Charles Watson, Jamie Clayton, Rose Tuong, Julie White, David Miller, Allison Brennan
Episode 4
Aaron's heritage and a widespread teachers' strike become polarizing issues, and Wells discovers a sinister pattern in a flu outbreak.
Directed by Chris GrismerWritten by Ricardo Pérez GonzálezGuest stars Lauren Holly, Elena Tovar, Anthony Edwards, Nisa Gunduz, Rob Stewart
Episode 5
Emotions run high after despicable fake news goes viral, Isabel makes waves with a controversial appeal, and Wells finds a clue pointing to conspiracy.
Directed by Peter LetoWritten by Kendra Chapman DavisGuest stars James Cade
Episode 6
A dying Guatemalan child in a Texas hospital brings immigration to the fore. A mugging opens Kirkman's eyes to the realities of life in the capital.
Directed by Chris GrismerWritten by Drew WestcottGuest stars Aaron Ashmore
Episode 7
A stray Russian bomber jeopardizes Seattle, Mars crusades against a drug company, and an event from Aaron's childhood vexes Kirkman's campaign.
Directed by Sudz SutherlandWritten by Adam SteinGuest stars Kim Nelson, Aaron Ashmore, Rob Stewart, Xavier Lopez, James Cade
Episode 8
Kirkman mobilizes a frantic hunt for the bioterrorist. Lorraine plays hardball and pushes the opioid epidemic into the campaign fray.
Directed by Sudz SutherlandWritten by Kendra Chapman Davis, Ricardo Pérez GonzálezGuest stars Aaron Ashmore, Erik Knudsen, Rob Stewart, Murry Peeters, Pui-Ling Tam, James Cade
Episode 9
Trailing in the polls, Kirkman weighs forcing the FBI's hand over the bioterrorism plot. Emily struggles with her mother's final wishes.
Directed by Peter LetoWritten by Dawn DeNoonGuest stars Ayesha Mansur Gonsalves, Aaron Ashmore, Rob Stewart, Lisa Berry, James Cade
Episode 10
On election day, Kirkman turns to his therapist to assuage his conscience about the events -- and his own decisions -- of the momentous prior 36 hours.
Directed by Chris GrismerWritten by Peter NoahGuest stars Nisa Gunduz, Ayesha Mansur Gonsalves, James Cade
Episode information updated Jul 23, 2026
Kiefer SutherlandTom Kirkman
Natascha McElhoneAlex Kirkman
Maggie QHannah Wells
Kal PennSeth Wright
Adan CantoAaron Shore
Italia RicciEmily Rhodes
LaMonica GarrettMike Ritter
Malik YobaJason Atwood
ABCUnited States
Netflix
Genre FilmsUnited States
ABC StudiosUnited States
Entertainment 360United States
