ABC has announced renewals and cancellations for some of their current shows, and unfortunately, Designated Survivor will not be returning for a third season. The upcoming season finale will serve as the series finale.

DEADLINE – ABC’s Designated Survivor will not see a third season. The network has canceled the Kiefer Sutherland starrer after two seasons. The May 16 season finale will now serve as the series finale.

The political conspiracy drama began its run as one of ABC’s most promising. The network screened the entire opening act at its 2016 upfront presentation where Sutherland received a huge ovation. In its first months on the air, Designated Survivor drew large audiences, setting DVR lift records and snagging the Critics’ Choice award for most exciting new series in its first season.

The series saw ratings declines in Season 2 but continued to be helped by strong delayed increases. Meanwhile, the series underwent a behind-the-scene turnover with a slew of showrunner changes over its two-season run. If renewed for a third season, Designated Survivor was going to bring in again a new showrunner — its fifth.