Netflix has renewed The Diplomat for a fourth season ahead of the release of its third season. Such an early renewal is rare and stems from a deep trust in the success of the show, either due to its current popularity, high viewership, critical acclaim, or promising developments behind the scenes.
According to reports, the exact release date of season 3 is not known but is set to premiere in 2025. It is described as a game changer, reportedly, both in terms of political dynamics and personal stakes for the main characters. Let's dive in to know in detail about the renewal and what the upcoming seasons hold for its fans.
What to expect from the upcoming seasons of The Diplomat?
In an interview with Netflix, The Diplomat creator and showrunner Debora Cahn hinted at major narrative shifts.
“Season 3 flips the chessboard. Kate lives the particular nightmare that is getting what you want.”
This suggests that Kate Wyler, played by Keri Russell, will find herself in a position of power — or at least in the middle of the political storm she’s been circling since season 1. However, Cahn's statement suggests that getting what she’s worked toward might have unexpected consequences.
Season 3 will also introduce Bradley Whitford, known for The West Wing and The Handmaid’s Tale, as Todd Penn, the husband of now-President Grace Penn. Executive producer Janice Williams previously revealed, while speaking with Tudum, that Bradley is the newly added cast member.
“Bradley was the perfect addition to what is already a dream cast.”
This brings even more gravitas and complexity to the cast, given Whitford’s background in political drama. Some of the returning cast members include David Gyasi, Keri Russell, and Rufus Sewell. Ali Ahn, Ato Essandoh, and Rory Kinnear will also be reprising their roles in The Diplomat.
The renewal was officially announced by Netflix’s chief content officer, Bela Bajaria, during the company’s presentation in New York City. Announcing the renewal at this event suggests that The Diplomat is considered one of Netflix’s prestige offerings and a key part of its content strategy. This hints at why the show got approval for season 4 even before the season 3 release.
How the Season 2 of The Diplomat end?

Season 2 ended on a major cliffhanger with Kate discovering that Vice President Grace Penn was involved in the attack, which featured in season 1 on a British naval ship. Her husband, Hal, informs President Rayburn of Penn’s role in the attack, which leaves him in shock and causes a fatal heart attack. This is because Penn is the President of the United States now, despite her alleged involvement in a major incident, which was also internationally significant.
Therefore, the new season depicts the aftermath of the incident and is full of tension, with Kate potentially caught between protecting diplomatic order and exposing a dangerous truth. The trailer for season 3 or 4 is not out yet.
If the viewers have not watched seasons 1 and 2, they still have plenty of time. So stream The Diplomat exclusively on Netflix and get into the world of political drama and intrigue before it intensifies further in future seasons.