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Poster for The Diplomat

The Diplomat

Seen it?

2023 | 4 seasons | Drama, War & Politics

Friday Night Flick

Why it’s a Friday Night Flick

Critics loved it (93% on Rotten Tomatoes), it won an Emmy and people are still talking about it. Make plans for this one.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for history buffs. If you loved Designated Survivor or Bodyguard, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Intense.
The pace
4 seasons: a few months of evenings.
What might put you off
  • Rated TV-MA: meant for adults.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Amid an international crisis, a US diplomat contends with her high-profile job as ambassador to the UK and her strained marriage to a political star.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    93% on Rotten Tomatoes, 81 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.6 out of 10

  • AwardsVery strong

    Won 1 Emmy: Primetime Emmy Awards: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. Won 1 SAG Award: Screen Actors Guild Awards: Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series. Also nominated for 4 more Emmys, 3 Golden Globes and 1 more SAG Award. Plus 2 other awards.

  • Reach & staying powerSolid

    Ran for 4 seasons and reached a modest audience; spent 14 weeks in Netflix's global Top 10; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactVery strong

    About 2.7 million people sought it out in the past year

Season by season

The show overall is a Friday Night Flick. Here's how each season stacks up; Season 4 is the high point.

  1. Saturday Special
    Season 12023 · 8 episodes · 84% on Rotten Tomatoes · 7.1 out of 10
    Saturday
  2. Saturday Special
    Season 22024 · 6 episodes · 95% on Rotten Tomatoes · 7.3 out of 10
    Saturday
  3. Friday Night Flick
    Season 32025 · 8 episodes · 97% on Rotten Tomatoes · 7.9 out of 10
    Friday
  4. Friday Night Flick
    Season 42026 · 8 episodes · 96% on Rotten Tomatoes · 8.7 out of 10
    Friday

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Created by Debora Cahn

  • Keri RussellAmbassador Kate Wyler
  • Rufus SewellHal Wyler
  • Ali AhnEidra Park
  • Rory KinnearPrime Minister Nicol Trowbridge
  • Ato EssandohStuart Hayford
  • Bradley WhitfordTodd Penn
  • Allison JanneyGrace Penn
  • Nana MensahBillie Appiah