With jaw-dropping revelations and a major cliffhanger finale, anticipation for The Diplomat Season 3 is at an all-time high.
Following the shocking death of President Rayburn (Michael McKean), Vice President Grace Penn (Allison Janney) has stepped into the role of the nation's leader.
However, Kate Wyler (Keri Russell) is acutely aware that Penn orchestrated the attack on the British warship, raising a critical question: what will she do with this dangerous information, especially now that Penn wields immense power?
As several loose ends remain unresolved and numerous questions linger, here’s everything we know so far about The Diplomat Season 3.
Has Netflix renewed The Diplomat for Season 3?
Netflix wasted no time renewing The Diplomat for a third season, announcing the early renewal on October 10, 2024, just weeks before the second season’s premiere on October 31.
“Season 3 flips the chessboard,” creator, showrunner, and executive producer Debora Cahn told Tudum. “In Season 3, Kate lives the particular nightmare that is getting what you want.”
The renewal didn't come as a surprise at all. The first season was a massive success, quickly becoming Netflix's No. 1 most-viewed title during its first two weeks after premiering in April 2023 and reaching the Top 10 in 87 countries. It also amassed an impressive 173.46 million hours viewed within just four weeks.
While Netflix has not yet released its Top 10 list for the week of the second season’s premiere as of this writing, The Diplomat has already received a remarkable 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it "Certified Fresh." Additionally, the show boasts an impressive 86% fan rating, further solidifying its popularity among viewers.
Has The Diplomat Season 3 Started Filming?
Along with the announcement of the third-season renewal, it has been confirmed that production for The Diplomat Season 3 is already underway in London and New York City.
“After an amazing summer shooting in the UK, we brought London home to NY,” Cahn told Variety.
That said, fans are about to see the “best of both worlds” next season, with this dual setting promising to enhance its visual appeal while maintaining the political intrigue.
“We love doing this. We’re so excited to get to keep going,” she continued.
What will The Diplomat Season 3 be about?
Warning: Major spoilers ahead for The Diplomat Season 2.
After a six-episode second season, fans are still reeling from the shocking death of President Rayburn, who suffered a heart attack after discovering that Vice President Grace Penn orchestrated the British false-flag attack.
This dramatic turn of events sets the stage for The Diplomat Season 3, complicating both Kate Wyler's life and the broader landscape of U.S. politics.
As Kate and Hal (Rufus Sewell) have just made a “very powerful enemy,” Sewell teased to The Hollywood Reporter that things would only be thrilling and complicated in the third season.
“The dynamics of the story after what happens at the end of season two really gives us some extraordinary things,” he said. “Also, it changes dynamics that might have been in danger of playing out. And it’s getting really complex, the dynamics, the billing, is changing.”
The Diplomat Season 3 Release Date, Cast, Episode Count
As of now, there is no official release date for The Diplomat Season 3, but it is expected to premiere on Netflix in late 2025 or early 2026.
The upcoming season will also see the return of main cast members Keri Russell, Rufus Sewell, Ato Essandoh, Ali Ahn, David Gyasi, and Rory Kinnear, who will reprise their roles.
Cahn has also confirmed that the third season will consist of eight episodes, returning to the original format after the second season's only six episodes.
This change is sure to excite fans who are eager for more content in this gripping political drama.