Netflix's Near-Perfect Thriller Is an Exciting Binge Ahead of Its 2026 Return

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Published Feb 9, 2026, 11:42 AM EST

Kendall Myers is a Senior Author with Collider. As part of the TV and Movies Features team, she writes about some of the most popular releases before, during, and after they premiere. In three years, she has written over 900 articles with topics ranging from classic sitcoms to fantasy epics.

Netflix's ever-expanding options can make it difficult to settle on one series to watch, but one political drama should be on everyone's list. The Diplomat is full of complex characters, political intrigue, and shocking twists that will keep viewers glued to the screen. Starring Keri Russell and Rufus Sewell, the series has three seasons already available on the streamer, which is more than enough to draw in fans and provide a compelling and long-lasting binge-watch. And it's not done yet. Although there is no official release set, The Diplomat will return for Season 4 before the end of the year, giving fans new and old something to look forward to.

What Is Netflix's 'The Diplomat' About?

The Diplomat follows Kate Wyler, an experienced U.S. ambassador accustomed to tense and unstable assignments. She is set to go to Kabul next, placing herself in another dangerous situation for her country, until the plan is interrupted. The President reassigns her, sending Kate to the U.K. for a more high-profile position. The new post is well outside of her comfort zone, but unknown to Kate, it is a calculated move as the White House asks her Deputy Chief of Missions, Stuart (Ato Essandoh), to prepare her as a potential Vice President. As she begins to climb the political ladder, Kate's knowledge of international laws and skill in negotiation are no longer enough, as she must make changes in the way she presents herself.

Yet her image cannot be her focus as an international crisis develops almost as soon as she arrives. After a deadly attack on a British aircraft carrier, U.K. Prime Minister Nicol Trowbridge (Rory Kinnear) calls for an all-out war as he accuses Iran. Kate quickly becomes responsible for defusing the situation and uncovering the true perpetrator, thanks to her past contacts with Iran. With the chance to demonstrate her talents, Kate quickly proves herself to be a capable and efficient leader.

The nuanced world of government isn't the only struggle Kate faces. The Diplomat also explores her personal life, specifically, her relationship with her husband, Hal (Sewell). Though they both work in the same field, Hal is forced to take a step back after he makes political enemies, and being idle is not a talent of his. With jealousy and resentment, their marriage is failing, and Kate wants a divorce, but as government officials, it could ruin their careers. Even as Kate develops romantic tension with a new colleague, she and Hal have a connection. They make an impressive team when they are willing to work together, and that is what Kate needs more than anything. Kate's personal life is intertwined with her career, creating a complex situation for her as she navigates her new role.

'The Diplomat' Is Full of Flawed Characters and Shocking Twists

Keri Russell and Rufus Sewell outside a building with people, looking up in The Diplomat Season 2.

Playing into the political nuance of The Diplomat is the fact that no character is perfect. Kate is stuck in her ways, judgmental, and quick to assume the worst (especially with Hal). Hal is egotistical, Trowbridge is impulsive, and the list goes on. These flaws make the characters realistic and interesting. Additionally, the main characters often being in the wrong amplifies Kate's question of whom she can trust throughout the series.

But characters, as fascinating as they may be, cannot make a thriller on their own. Fortunately, The Diplomat's plot constantly delivers shocking twists. The investigation is not easy, as the true culprit of the attack has gone to great lengths to cover their tracks, but when Kate and her team discover the truth, it leads to fallout that is still ongoing three seasons later. These major shocks keep the audience engaged, even as The Diplomat veers out of the realm of believability. The story is largely grounded, but it takes some dramatic liberties to keep fans guessing, yet the twists are worth the exaggeration of reality. Together, the shocking story and complex characters make a compelling series perfect for binging ahead of Season 4 this year.