“Designated Survivor” is a political drama that captured the attention of viewers with its intense plot, complex characters, and the high stakes of national security. Starring Kiefer Sutherland as Tom Kirkman, a low-level Cabinet member who unexpectedly becomes President of the United States after a catastrophic attack, the series has been praised for its thrilling storyline and compelling performances. With its popularity, many fans are eager to watch the show without having to pay for a subscription. This article will guide you through various legal ways to watch “Designated Survivor” for free.
Understanding the Popularity of “Designated Survivor”
The Appeal of Political Dramas
Political dramas have always had a strong following, and “Designated Survivor” is no exception. The show taps into the intrigue of political power, national security, and the personal struggles of a man suddenly thrust into the most powerful office in the world. The suspenseful plot, combined with Sutherland’s portrayal of a reluctant leader, keeps viewers hooked from the first episode.
Critical Acclaim and Fan Base
“Designated Survivor” received critical acclaim for its unique premise and execution. The series developed a strong fan base, particularly during its first two seasons, when it was aired on ABC. Despite its eventual cancellation after three seasons, the show’s impact remains significant, and many viewers continue to search for ways to watch or rewatch the series.
Legal Options to Watch “Designated Survivor” for Free
1. Free Trials on Streaming Platforms
One of the most straightforward ways to watch “Designated Survivor” for free is by taking advantage of free trials offered by streaming platforms that have the series in their libraries.
Netflix Free Trial: “Designated Survivor” was acquired by Netflix, which produced the third season. Netflix offers a free trial period to new subscribers, typically lasting 30 days. During this period, you can stream all three seasons of “Designated Survivor” without any cost. However, it’s important to note that Netflix’s free trial availability may vary depending on your location.
Hulu Free Trial: Hulu, another popular streaming service, may also offer “Designated Survivor” in its content library. Hulu provides a 30-day free trial for its standard plan, which includes access to a wide range of shows and movies. If “Designated Survivor” is available on Hulu in your region, you can watch the entire series during the free trial period.
Amazon Prime Video Free Trial: Amazon Prime Video also has a free trial option that typically lasts for 30 days. If “Designated Survivor” is part of the Amazon Prime Video library in your country, you can stream the series for free during the trial period.
2. Ad-Supported Streaming Services
Another option to watch “Designated Survivor” for free is through ad-supported streaming services. These platforms allow you to watch content without a subscription, but you will need to sit through advertisements.
Tubi TV: Tubi TV is a free, ad-supported streaming service that offers a vast library of TV shows and movies. Although availability may vary by region, Tubi TV sometimes includes “Designated Survivor” in its catalog. You can watch the show for free with the occasional ad interruption.
IMDb TV (Now Known as Freevee): IMDb TV, now known as Freevee, is another free streaming service with ad-supported content. Freevee offers a range of popular TV shows and movies, including “Designated Survivor,” in some regions. You can watch the series without any cost by enduring the ads that play during episodes.
Pluto TV: Pluto TV is an entirely free streaming service that offers a combination of live TV channels and on-demand content. It’s possible to find “Designated Survivor” on Pluto TV, particularly if it is being aired on one of their live TV channels. This option requires checking the Pluto TV schedule for specific air times.
See also: Is Designated Survivor Accurate?
Using Free Streaming Trials Wisely
Plan Your Watching Schedule
If you choose to use a free trial to watch “Designated Survivor,” it’s essential to plan your viewing schedule wisely. Given that there are 53 episodes across three seasons, you’ll need to ensure you have enough time to binge-watch the series within the free trial period. Set aside time each day to watch a few episodes to ensure you complete the series before the trial expires.
Avoid Auto-Renewal Charges
When signing up for a free trial, remember that most streaming services will automatically charge you once the trial period ends. To avoid unexpected charges, set a reminder to cancel the trial before it converts into a paid subscription. You can do this by noting down the end date of the trial and taking action a day or two before it ends.
Exploring Other Legal Alternatives
Library Access: Some public libraries offer free access to streaming services through partnerships with platforms like Kanopy and Hoopla. By using your library card, you might be able to stream “Designated Survivor” for free. Check with your local library to see if they have a streaming service that includes the series.
DVD Borrowing: If you prefer physical media, another option is to borrow the DVD box set of “Designated Survivor” from your local library. Many libraries have extensive collections of TV shows on DVD that you can borrow for free. This method allows you to watch the series at your own pace without worrying about subscription fees or trial periods.
Checking Network Websites: Sometimes, networks that originally aired a TV show will offer episodes for free on their official websites or apps. Although “Designated Survivor” was removed from ABC’s lineup, it’s still worth checking if ABC or another affiliated network offers free episodes for streaming. This option may only provide access to select episodes, so it might not be the best choice for watching the entire series.
The Importance of Legal Streaming
Supporting Content Creators
Watching “Designated Survivor” through legal means ensures that you’re supporting the creators, actors, and crew who worked hard to bring the show to life. Piracy and illegal streaming can harm the entertainment industry and reduce the incentive for networks and streaming platforms to invest in high-quality content.
Avoiding Legal Risks
Streaming content through unauthorized websites or downloading pirated copies can expose you to significant legal risks. Many countries have strict laws against piracy, and engaging in illegal streaming can lead to fines or other penalties. Sticking to legal options, such as free trials and ad-supported services, is the safest way to enjoy your favorite shows.
Conclusion
Watching “Designated Survivor” for free is possible through various legal avenues, including free trials on streaming platforms, ad-supported services, and borrowing DVDs from your local library. By exploring these options, you can enjoy the thrilling drama of Tom Kirkman’s presidency without incurring any costs. Remember to plan your viewing schedule carefully and cancel any trials before they convert to paid subscriptions. Above all, prioritize legal streaming to support the creators and avoid legal risks.
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