‘Designated Survivor’ and ‘Speechless’ win full-season orders

“Designated Survivor” and “Speechless,” two of ABC’s new series, have been given full-season pickups, ABC has announced.

The two shows, which have won praise from critics and have attracted large audiences, are the second and third new network series to be picked up for a full season. NBC earlier this week gave a full season pickup to its drama “This is Us.”

Channing Dungey, president of ABC Entertainment, said in a statement, “ ‘Designated Survivor’ and ‘Speechless’ are two of the most critically acclaimed new shows of the fall season. We’re very proud of the creative excellence in front of and behind the camera, and are thrilled to be giving our audience more episodes.”

Nine additional episodes of both series, from Twentieth Century Fox Television and ABC Studios, and the Mark Gordon Co. and ABC Studios, respectively, have been ordered.

“Designated Survivor” stars Kiefer Sutherland as a lower-level Cabinet member who is suddenly appointed president of the United States after a catastrophic attack on the U.S. Capitol during the State of the Union.

“Speechless” stars Minnie Driver as a mother dealing with family issues, particularly those involving her eldest son, who has cerebral palsy.

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