Netflix has unveiled the release date, teaser and first look for the third season of its hit political drama The Diplomat. The series will return on October 16, 2025, expanding back to eight episodes after last season’s shortened six-episode run.
The new teaser gives a chilling glimpse of what’s to come as Keri Russell’s Kate Wyler warns: “A terribly flawed woman is now the president, and only we know just how flawed.” That “flawed woman” is none other than Grace Penn (Allison Janney), the former vice president who ascended to the Oval Office after President Rayburn’s (Michael McKean) death at the end of season two.
Season two revealed Grace’s role in orchestrating the British warship attack that ignited the series, knowledge that now places Kate and her husband Hal (Rufus Sewell) in the dangerous position of holding the president’s most damning secret.
Season 3 Synopsis
Netflix describes season three as follows:
“Ambassador Kate Wyler lives the particular nightmare that is getting what you want. She just accused Vice President Grace Penn of hatching a terrorist plot and admitted she’s after the VP’s job. But now the president is dead, Kate’s husband Hal may have inadvertently killed him, and Grace Penn is leader of the free world. None of this slows Hal’s campaign to land Kate the vice presidency. Kate steps into a role she never wanted, with a freedom she never expected, an increasingly complicated friendship with Foreign Secretary Austin Dennison (David Gyasi), and an unnerving bond with First Gentleman Todd Penn (Bradley Whitford).”
The teaser shows Grace being sworn in as president, Kate appearing alongside British Prime Minister Nicol Trowbridge (Rory Kinnear), and Hal pushing for Kate to stay close to Grace—even suggesting that being inside the White House could give her a watchful eye over the new commander-in-chief.
New Addition to the Cast
Season three introduces Bradley Whitford as Todd Penn, Grace’s scandal-shadowed husband. Long referenced but never seen, Todd was mentioned in the first season for mismanaging an NIH grant, nearly derailing Grace’s career before her rise to power.
Behind the Scenes and Awards Momentum
Created by Debora Cahn (The West Wing, Homeland), The Diplomat has quickly become a Netflix powerhouse. The show has already been renewed for a fourth season and continues to pick up awards buzz, with Russell nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series at the 2025 Emmys and the series itself nominated for Outstanding Drama Series.
The ensemble cast includes Ali Ahn, Ato Essandoh, Celia Imrie, Nana Mensah, Miguel Sandoval, and Rory Kinnear.
With Grace Penn in power and Kate Wyler walking into a role she never wanted, season three of The Diplomat promises to be the series’ most volatile and suspenseful yet.