The Diplomat Season 3 has already created a buzz among its fans. The show has quickly become one of Netflix's most addictive political dramas. For those who might be new to the show, The Diplomat is about the intense world of diplomacy. Keri Russell’s Kate Wyler makes her way through her role as the U.S. Ambassador to Britain.
Created by Debora Cahn, the series mixes intense politics with deep personal struggles. Season 2, which dropped in October 2024, left us with a massive cliffhanger that has viewers desperate for more. The show has bombings, backstabbing, power play, and everything else that can make it dramatic.
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So, here’s everything we know so far about The Diplomat Season 3.
Disclaimer: The article contains major spoilers for The Diplomat. It also reflects the author's opinion. Reader discretion is advised.
Has The Diplomat been renewed for Season 3?
Yes, it sure has! Netflix was quick to announce that The Diplomat Season 3 is officially on its way. In a surprise early announcement, Netflix confirmed the renewal on October 10, 2024. This is nearly three weeks before Season 2 dropped.
Well, if that doesn’t scream “confidence”, we don't know what does. The renewal news also came with confirmation that filming for Season 3 had already started. There are scenes being shot in both London and New York City. So, production is well underway. That’s good news for fans eager to see what happens next.
Creator Debora Cahn shared her excitement, telling Variety:
“After an amazing summer shooting in the UK, we brought London home to NY. Best of both worlds — filming in Brooklyn. We love doing this. We’re so excited to get to keep going.”
When will The Diplomat Season 3 be released?
Although we don’t have a confirmed release date, we can take a guess based on past timelines. Season 1 of The Diplomat premiered in April 2023. Season 2 followed just 18 months later in October 2024.
Given that filming is already underway, it’s possible that The Diplomat Season 3 could drop as soon as mid-to-late 2025 or early 2026. Fingers crossed for a quick turnaround, especially since fans are eager to see what’s next after the Season 2 finale cliffhanger.
How many episodes will Season 3 have?
The Diplomat Season 3 will return to the full eight-episode format that fans enjoyed in Season 1. Season 2 had only six episodes. This left fans wanting more.
In her interview with TVLine, creator Debora Cahn explained that the shorter season was a decision she made to keep production timely. She said that Netflix actually wanted all the eight episodes.
"I was really tired. It was a time thing. It felt like there wasn’t enough time to turn around eight of them. It was a lot to do in what appeared to be a short period of time.”
But, she assured fans that Season 3 would go back to eight episodes.
Also read: Why is Netflix's The Diplomat Season 2 only six episodes long? Explained
The Diplomat Season 3 plot
The storyline is still a bit under wraps. But, we’ve got some hints from creator Debora Cahn. She told Netflix’s Tudum:
“Season 3 flips the chessboard. In season 3, Kate lives the particular nightmare that is getting what you want."
It sounds like things are only going to get more intense.
Keri Russell told Rolling Stone in an interview:
"I’ve already read everything of season 3… It’s so good in the way I want things to be good, and I just can’t believe that it’s still getting better."
Russell also shared certain dilemmas that Kate might have to face:
"What I’m not as interested in is the person who gets to become Vice President, has perfect hair, and gives perfect speeches. I like the girl who was devastated about the failure of Afghanistan, who can’t keep her clothes clean before going into the Oval Office, and who has a messy, passionate, s*xy relationship with this nut job, mess of a husband. That is who I’m interested in, and those are the stories I want to tell. Introducing someone like Janney and everything she embodies to the show only creates better problems, which is good for the story.”
Who will return for Season 3?
The official cast list is not out yet. But, most of the main cast is expected to return. Here’s who we’re likely to see in The Diplomat Season 3:
- Keri Russell as Kate Wyler
- Rufus Sewell as Hal Wyler
- Allison Janney as Grace Penn
- David Gyasi as Austin Dennison
- Ali Ahn as Eidra Park
- Rory Kinnear as Nicol Trowbridge
- Ato Essandoh as Stuart Hayford
Also read: Who does Rory Kinnear play in The Diplomat? Exploring the character and his other projects
What happened in The Diplomat Season 2?
To recap, Season 2 saw Kate Wyler dealing with the fallout of a deadly explosion in London. She’s still processing the trauma from this attack. Also, she is piecing together her crumbling marriage with Hal.
There’s also a twist here. Kate finds out that Vice President Grace Penn orchestrated the attack to prevent Scotland from leaving the UK and shutting down a vital nuclear base. Grace’s plan was to stop Scotland’s independence referendum, as it could jeopardize U.S. national security by blocking the country’s ability to track Russian submarines, if successful.
We also see Hal rush to inform President Rayburn about the false-flag attack. He hopes that the justice system can deal with Grace. But, the shocking news causes the President to have a heart attack. This makes way for Grace to become president. And well, this could spell trouble for Kate.
Grace has clashed with Kate before. So, we will now see if Kate will be able to figure out this new power dynamic. Or, will she find herself at odds with it? We can expect Season 3 to be packed with even more crucial and intense diplomacy and personal conflicts.
Also read - The Diplomat Season 1 recap: A quick guide to prepare you for Season 2 and more
Why fans are excited for The Diplomat Season 3
Fans are thrilled for more of The Diplomat in Season 3 because it’s not just a political thriller, it is also a deeply human drama. It explores the complexities of diplomacy and relationships.
Kate Wyler is a relatable character. She balances her personal life with the responsibilities of her job. Keri Russell’s performance makes you root for her. Especially, when she’s stuck in the trickiest situations.
What we’re looking forward to in The Diplomat Season 3
With Season two's conclusion and the promise of eight new episodes, The Diplomat Season 3 is shaping up to be a must-watch. We’ll see familiar faces return.
We will also get deeper into the intense political scenes. Maybe even get answers to those burning questions about Kate’s future. Will she find herself in Grace’s inner circle or will she be on her bad side? And, of course, what new challenges will come up next?
Though we do not have the above answers now. One thing’s for sure, The Diplomat Season 3 is going to be a promising one.
Stay tuned to Soap Central for more updates and detailed coverage.
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