All eight episodes of The Diplomat Season 3 are now streaming on Netflix. Created by Debora Cahn, the political thriller stars Keri Russell, Rufus Sewell, David Gyasi, Ali Ahn, Rory Kinnear, Ato Essandoh, Allison Janney, and Bradley Whitford.

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, and an unnerving bond with First Gentleman Todd Penn.

I still remember where I was in life when I first watched the show’s debut season. It didn’t hit me the way it seemed to resonate with other viewers and critics. That said, I’ll watch just about anything with Keri Russell — she has a commanding presence and a confidence that draws you in. Honestly, I’m surprised the series has become such a hit. Without Russell, I think it would be a very different show. I found the second season to be a noticeable improvement, likely due to its tighter six-episode run, which allowed the story to get to the point more efficiently. The third season returns to eight episodes, which may please longtime fans, but it loses some of the brisk energy that made the second season so engaging.

I was a big fan of how the second season ended — it left things wide open, and the third season picks up with that same sense of unpredictability. Right from the start, it’s fast-paced and full of surprises. The first two episodes fly by so quickly, I was genuinely surprised when the credits rolled. The show is often praised for its pacing, and those opening episodes are a perfect example of why.

After that strong start, though, the momentum slows considerably. While I appreciate well-crafted drama, much of it here feels either sluggish or overly dramatic. There’s a lot of dialogue, but not always enough substance to keep the conversations compelling. The absence of a strong musical score doesn’t help — it leaves some scenes feeling flat. That said, the cast is what truly holds everything together. Even when the dialogue drags or the side plots feel repetitive, the performances are reason enough to keep watching.

I’ve been a fan of Keri Russell since The Americans, and this show is yet another strong showcase for her talents. Her character’s juggling act between personal and professional crises is handled with nuance, and I especially appreciate how the show highlights her role as the quiet fixer for everyone around her — a dynamic that often goes unacknowledged. While I still don’t fully buy into her chemistry with Rufus Sewell, his character arc this season adds depth and makes him a far more compelling presence. Allison Janney also benefits from increased screen time, which is always a win, and Bradley Whitford’s addition as her husband is a smart casting move. This is a show that clearly knows how to attract top-tier talent — and how to use them effectively.

That said, the same can’t be said for the supporting cast. The emotional depth and character development just aren’t there, and it often feels like the show doesn’t quite know how to guide them toward the right tone. That tonal inconsistency has been one of the show’s ongoing weaknesses — it frequently wavers between drama and comedy, which can lead to moments that feel unintentionally jarring or baffling. It’s as if some characters are in a different show entirely.

By the time the third season wraps, I’m still curious about what comes next — but also a bit underwhelmed by what just unfolded. With a fourth season already confirmed months ago, it’s clear the show isn’t in a rush. It knows it has time, and that’s both a strength and a weakness. The drama this season never quite reaches the intensity of last season’s finale, and much of it feels like setup for future storylines rather than a satisfying arc of its own. There’s intrigue, but not the kind that leaves you breathless by the end.

Despite my criticisms, I still find the show visually striking and consistently engaging. On a political level, it reminds me a lot of House of Cards. For those interested in politics, it offers that behind-the-scenes feel — like you’re watching something you’re not supposed to see. It makes total sense why Netflix has so much confidence in it. The show echoes the appeal of its predecessors while still carving out its own identity.

Overall, the third season of The Diplomat manages to rise above its occasional issues with writing and tone to deliver something fans of the series will still appreciate. Thanks to its electrifying lead performances and strong pacing in several key episodes, it remains a solid win for the streamer. Even with its flaws, if you have Netflix and haven’t checked it out yet, you’re missing out on one of its more compelling originals.

VERDICT: 3.5/5 – Pretty Good