The Diplomat release date, cast, synopsis, trailer, and everything we know so far

A new political drama will be making its way to Netflix. Titled, The Diplomat, the eight-episode series will center on a U.S. Ambassador whose political dreams are coming to fruition.

Writer and producer Debora Cahn created the series, which stars none other than Golden Globe-winning Felicity star and Emmy Award-nominated The Americans star Keri Russell. The Diplomat is described in the report as being akin to Homeland, The Crown, and The West Wing.

Such descriptions lend themselves to a series focused on political intrigue, bureaucracy, and heart pounding situations that involve national security, U.S. foreign policy, and navigating the tense waters between allies, political enemies, and the fragile peace held between the world’s nations. Here’s what more we know about the series!

The Diplomat release date

On March 16, Netflix announced The Diplomat will be released on Thursday, April 20, 2023. Russell will be making her official return to television when the series begins streaming on April 20 at 12 a.m. PT, which will be 3 a.m. ET.

Filming on the series previously took place last year, beginning in March 2022 with production predominately taking place in London, England. Since its announcement, The Diplomat has been one of the most highly anticipated new Netflix shows of 2023.

The Diplomat cast

Of course, television veteran and all-around talent Keri Russell will play the lead of the series as Kate Wyler. A number of other familiar faces will join her in the supporting cast. Take a look at the full cast list of the new series:

• Keri Russell as Kate Wyler
• Rufus Sewell as Hal Wyler
• David Gyasi
• Ali Ahn
• Rory Kinnear
• Ato Essandoh
• Celia Imrie
• Michael McKean
• Nana Mensah
• T’Nia Miller
• Miguel Sandoval

The Diplomat synopsis

The series will be a political thriller centered on Kate’s rising political star. She’s a career diplomat whose husband is also in the same field as herself. However, as his time in the limelight is beginning to dwindle, she’s starting to make a name for herself. It’s a dynamic that could brew trouble in their marriage as the attention he once received is now being showered on her.

They’re also in the middle of an international crisis and while Kate is growing in her position as U.S. ambassador, the job she’s tasked with is one that she’s not suited to. Could both her marriage and political future be in jeopardy? We’ll have to tune into see!

Here’s the official plot synopsis for The Diplomat as shared by Netflix:

"Kate Wyler (Keri Russell) is the new US Ambassador to the United Kingdom. She was supposed to go to Afghanistan. She’s great in a crisis zone. In a historic home… less so. War is brewing on one continent and boiling over on another. Kate will have to diffuse international crises, forge strategic alliances in London, and adjust to her new place in the spotlight — all while trying to survive her marriage to fellow career diplomat and political star Hal Wyler (Rufus Sewell). From showrunner Debora Cahn (THE WEST WING, HOMELAND), THE DIPLOMAT is a high-stakes, contemporary political drama about the transcendence and torture of long-term relationships, between countries and people. Also starring David Gyasi, Ali Ahn, Rory Kinnear, and Ato Essandoh, with executive producers Debora Cahn, Janice Williams, and Keri Russell."

Is there a trailer for The Diplomat on Netflix?

On April 5, Netflix finally unveiled the official full-length trailer for The Diplomat. Check out the trailer for the new series in the video below!

On March 20, one month ahead of the show’s release, Netflix dropped a short teaser. In the clip, we become acquainted with Russell’s character Kate Wyler, and we’re already obsessed. Take a look at the first footage released from The Diplomat in the video below!

Stay tuned to Netflix Life for more The Diplomat news and coverage. We’ll keep you posted on the latest updates on the series. For more information on Netflix originals coming to the streamer, check out our category for the platform’s anticipated releases.

FanSided Entertainment staff contributed to this report.