The political drama The Diplomat has climbed to No. 3 worldwide on Netflix’s Top 10 list this week, only a few days after the release of its highly anticipated Season 3 on October 16, 2025. The new season continues the tense storyline of U.S. Ambassador Kate Wyler, played by Keri Russell, as she faces escalating global conflicts in London.
The series has often been compared to the hit political thriller House of Cards for its portrayal of diplomacy and power. After the end of House of Cards, The Diplomat rightfully filled the space for a sharp, politically charged drama. The show is created by Debora Cahn, who previously wrote for The West Wing and Homeland; however, it introduces new diplomatic crises tied to Eastern Europe. Those who have not watched the show might assume it focuses solely on politics, but beyond that, the show also explores the strained marriage between Kate and her husband Hal (Rufus Sewell). As tensions within the British government rise, the relationship between the two also begins to crumble.
Alongside its streaming success, The Diplomat remains one of the most critically praised political dramas on Netflix. For instance, it holds a 92% critics’ score and a 74% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. The first season also earned Keri Russell an Emmy nomination for Best Actress in a Drama, which further established the show’s reputation for performance-driven storytelling.
Netflix Confirms ‘The Diplomat’ Season 4 Is Officially in Motion
As The Diplomat has climbed onto Netflix’s Global Top 10 after the release of Season 3, attention now turns to what lies ahead for Season 4. Netflix officially renewed the season in May 2025, months before Season 3 premiered on October 16. The filming of the new season, however, will start in two weeks, on November 3, 2025. Season 3 took 15 months to release after filming began, so Season 4 will likely arrive by late 2026 or early 2027.
All major cast members are expected to return, with Keri Russell as Kate Wyler and Rufus Sewell as Hal Wyler leading the ensemble once again. This time around, Allison Janney and Bradley Whitford have been promoted to series regulars, playing President Grace Penn and First Gentleman Todd Penn, respectively. The latest season ended with a cliffhanger that involved a covert weapon theft and Kate’s realization of her husband’s betrayal. The showrunner, Debora Cahn, has teased that Season 4 will dig even deeper into the fallout of that decision and explore how the Wylers will respond to the consequences of power.
All the seasons of The Diplomat are available to stream on Netflix.
