Designated Survivor is a political thriller television series that follows Tom Kirkman, a low-level cabinet member who suddenly becomes President of the United States after a catastrophic attack kills everyone ahead of him in the presidential line of succession. Played by Kiefer Sutherland, Kirkman is thrown into the spotlight and must lead a divided nation while uncovering conspiracies and managing personal struggles. One of those personal struggles involves his family—specifically, his son, Leo Kirkman.
As the show progresses, viewers are introduced to a subplot that questions the true paternity of Leo. The story adds depth to Tom Kirkman’s character and brings drama into the Kirkman household. Fans of the show have debated this storyline, and many have asked: Who is Leo’s real father?
In this article, we will explore the character of Leo Kirkman, the background of the paternity question, and the possible answers the show provides. We will also look at how this subplot fits into the broader narrative of Designated Survivor. Using simple language, we will break down the details so everyone can understand the significance of this story.
Who Is Leo Kirkman?
Leo Kirkman is the teenage son of Tom and Alex Kirkman. He is portrayed by actor Tanner Buchanan. In the beginning, Leo is depicted as a typical teenager. He has some trouble adjusting to the spotlight when his father suddenly becomes President. His personal life is complicated, and he struggles with the pressure of being in the public eye.
Leo is also shown to be somewhat rebellious. He gets into trouble at school and even lies about his whereabouts. Despite this, he loves his family and tries to be there for them during difficult times. As the show develops, viewers learn more about Leo’s relationships, especially with his mother, Alex.
The show hints at a complicated past. This includes whispers about Leo not being Tom’s biological son. This possibility is not confirmed at first, but it becomes a recurring theme in season one. It adds a layer of emotional complexity to the story.
The Paternity Question
The idea that Tom Kirkman may not be Leo’s biological father comes up in the first season. The plot unfolds slowly. Rumors begin to circulate that Leo might be the child of another man—specifically, Alex’s former boyfriend, Jeffrey Meyers.
Jeffrey Meyers is a lawyer who had a relationship with Alex before she married Tom. The show introduces this character as someone with a strong connection to Alex in the past. When the question of Leo’s paternity arises, it leads to tension between Tom and Alex.
This is a sensitive topic. Tom is already dealing with the enormous responsibility of being President. Now, he also has to question something deeply personal: whether Leo is truly his son.
Alex Kirkman’s Role
Alex Kirkman, played by Natascha McElhone, is Tom’s supportive wife and Leo’s mother. She stands by her husband after the attack and helps him adjust to his new role. However, the paternity subplot puts her in a difficult position.
Alex knows about the rumors, and at one point, she admits that there is a possibility Jeffrey Meyers could be Leo’s father. This admission does not come easily. She is torn between protecting her family and facing the truth.
Alex decides to order a paternity test in secret. This shows how serious the situation has become. She wants to protect Leo, but she also wants to be honest. Her actions show her love for both her husband and her son.
The Paternity Test
Eventually, Alex receives the results of the paternity test. She decides not to show them to Tom right away. She wants to make sure the timing is right and that it does not interfere with his duties as President. This adds more tension to the story.
When Tom finally sees the results, it is a powerful moment. The test confirms that Tom is Leo’s biological father. This brings relief to the Kirkman family and allows them to move forward.
This revelation also strengthens the bond between Tom and Leo. It shows that despite all the rumors and doubts, the truth was always on their side. Tom never stopped being Leo’s father emotionally, but now he also has the biological proof.
Why This Storyline Matters
The question of Leo’s paternity might seem like a side story, but it plays an important role in the series. It humanizes the President. Tom Kirkman is not just a leader of a nation. He is also a husband and father dealing with personal problems.
This subplot also highlights the impact of public life on a family. Being in the White House means every part of your life is open to scrutiny. Secrets are harder to keep, and mistakes from the past can come back to haunt you.
For viewers, this story makes the characters more relatable. Everyone has family issues, and the Kirkman family is no different. By showing how they deal with these problems, the show adds emotional depth to the characters.
Jeffrey Meyers’ Role
Jeffrey Meyers does not play a large role in the show, but his presence is felt. As Alex’s former boyfriend, he represents a past that she thought was behind her. The possibility that he could be Leo’s father brings that past back to the surface.
His involvement in the story is mostly indirect. He does not try to interfere with the Kirkman family, but his name alone is enough to cause tension. This shows how powerful unresolved questions can be, even if the person involved is not present.
Jeffrey represents the “what if” in Alex’s life. He is the source of the doubt that threatens the family’s unity. In the end, however, the test results put those doubts to rest.
How Leo Reacts
Leo does not know about the paternity test until later. When he finds out, he is shocked. He questions why no one told him sooner. He feels hurt that his parents kept such an important secret from him.
However, once he learns the truth, he begins to understand. The knowledge that Tom is his biological father helps restore his sense of identity. He feels more connected to his family, and it helps him mature.
Leo’s reaction is realistic. Teenagers often struggle with identity, and this situation adds another layer to his journey. By facing the truth, Leo becomes stronger and more understanding.
Family and Identity
The paternity storyline in Designated Survivor is about more than just biology. It explores the meaning of family and identity. Tom has always acted as Leo’s father, regardless of DNA. He has supported, protected, and loved his son unconditionally.
This sends a powerful message. Being a parent is not just about genetics. It is about being there for someone, guiding them, and showing love and support. The show reminds us that family is built through actions and commitment.
For Leo, learning the truth does not change how he sees Tom. It confirms what he already knew in his heart—that Tom is his dad in every way that matters.
The Bigger Picture
While the paternity subplot is personal, it also reflects the larger themes of the show. Designated Survivor is about leadership, responsibility, and truth. Just as Tom must face hard truths as President, he also faces them as a father.
The storyline also shows how personal issues can affect professional life. Tom struggles with this balance. He tries to stay focused on his duties while dealing with a deeply emotional family matter. This makes him a more realistic and relatable character.
The show’s writers use this subplot to add emotional weight to the story. It gives viewers a break from political drama and offers a look into the private lives of public figures.
Conclusion
So, who is Leo’s father on Designated Survivor? The answer is simple: Tom Kirkman. Despite doubts, rumors, and emotional turmoil, a paternity test confirms what fans hoped was true all along.
But more importantly, Tom has always been Leo’s father in every way that matters. He raised him, loved him, and stood by him. This storyline shows that family is about more than blood. It’s about connection, commitment, and trust.
The paternity subplot in Designated Survivor adds emotional depth to the series and helps viewers connect with the characters. It reminds us that even those in the highest positions of power face personal struggles, and how they handle those struggles defines who they are.
In the end, the Kirkman family remains united, stronger for having faced the truth together. And that, more than any test result, is what truly matters.
