ABC has officially endorsed Kiefer Sutherland for president.
TVLine has learned that the network has formally handed a 13-episode series order to Designated Survivor, a conspiracy-drama that stars the 24 vet as an unlikely POTUS. The early pickup (ABC doesn’t unveil their fall lineup until May 17) would seem to confirm buzz that the project tested extremely well.

Sutherland plays Tom Kirkman, a lower cabinet member who unexpectedly becomes president after a devastating attack on Washington. Season 1 will find him struggling to prevent the country and his own family from falling into chaos, as he is thrust into one of the most difficult presidencies in history.

The cast also includes Natascha McElhone, Maggie Q, Kal Penn, Adan Canto, Italia Ricci, LaMonica Garrett and Tanner Buchanan.