The Diplomat season 2: Release date and latest news

However, the ending saw her make a big discovery, suggesting something is rotten at the very top of the British government - while her husband Hal, played by Rufus Sewell, was caught up in an assassination attempt on a Conservative MP.

Russell previously explained how this will affect Kate and Hal's relationship going into season 2, telling RadioTimes.com: "I think that's going to be pretty monumental, as it is in life when a big life moment like that happens. And I think it raises the stakes of every single thing Kate is dealing with professionally.

"And we just get right into it, you know, versus season 1 – you're building a whole world, you're introducing characters, you're introducing style and language and jargon and a world of diplomacy and kind of teaching people about that, and season 2, we just jump head first right into it."

Unlike season 1, which was made up of eight episodes, season 2 will be a shortened run of six. Showrunner Debora Cahn explained the new episode count, telling TV Line: "It was my decision. [Netflix] was not happy. They wanted the full eight.

"I was really tired. It was a time thing. It felt like there wasn’t enough time to turn around eight of them. It was a lot to do in what appeared to be a short period of time."

But when will season 2 arrive on Netflix, and what's in store for the characters? Read on for everything you need to know about The Diplomat season 2.

Will there be a season 2 of The Diplomat?

Yes! The Diplomat will be back for season 2, with Netflix confirming the season 2 renewal news on Tuesday 2nd May 2023.

Kate Wyler actor Keri Russell, who is also executive producer, said in a statement at the time: “I am thrilled to be headed back for another round of this smart screwball show. Dare I say it’s fun? Thank you Netflix for giving us another shot.”

Showrunner Deborah Cahn added: "We had such a great time making The Diplomat. And it’s a thrill to see how much people are enjoying it. We’re so glad we get to do it again!"

Jinny Howe, the vice president of drama at Netflix, also said: "Fans are loving every minute of The Diplomat’s gripping and propulsive drama, and embracing Keri Russell’s powerful performance as Kate Wyler.

"After that jaw-dropping cliffhanger, we can’t wait for them to see what the amazing visionary team of Debora Cahn, Janice Williams and Keri Russell have in store for season two."

The Diplomat season 2 release date

It's now been confirmed that the second run will debut on Netflix on Thursday 31st October 2024.

“Everything we thought we knew about the Wylers changes, as does everything they think they know about each other," showrunner Debora Cahn said as the news was announced. Intriguing...

The Diplomat season 2 plot: What will happen?

Season 2 is set to follow on from where season 1 left off.

The final episode of season 1 saw Kate and Austin realise that Prime Minister Nicol Trowbridge was likely behind the bombing of the HMS Courageous, having employed the services of Russian mercenary Lenkov, seemingly so as to boost his poll numbers and avoid the break up of the UK.

It was a blockbuster reveal which was also matched by the series leaving Hal and Stuart's fates in the balance, who were caught up in the apparent assassination of a Conservative MP.

The synopsis for season 2 says: "A deadly explosion in the heart of London shatters US Ambassador Kate Wyler’s world (Keri Russell). Struggling to rebuild the lives that broke and the team that split apart, Kate’s worst fears unfold: The attack that brought her to the UK didn’t come from a rival nation, it came from inside the British government.

"As Kate chases the truth, her only real ally is her almost-ex-husband Hal Wyler (Rufus Sewell), very much alive, and very much involved. She faces a fraught marriage, a complex dynamic with British Foreign Secretary Austin Dennison (David Gyasi), and a threatening visit from Vice President Grace Penn (Allison Janney)."

Who will be back to star in The Diplomat season 2?

It wouldn't The Diplomat without the return of stars including Keri Russell, David Gyasi, Ali Ahn and Rory Kinnear, all of whom are back for season 2.

Rufus Sewell's Hal Wyler and Ato Essandoh's Stuart Hayford are thankfully both back too, confirming their fates following the dramatic end to season 1 in which they were caught up in an explosion, seemingly an assassination attempt on Conservative MP Merritt Grove.

Meanwhile, season 2 will also see one major new addition joining the cast - The West Wing's Allison Janney, who is playing the previously off-screen Vice President Grace Penn.

Here's a full list of the central cast for The Diplomat season 2:

• Keri Russell as Kate Wyler
• Rufus Sewell as Hal Wyler
• David Gyasi as Austin Dennison
• Ali Ahn as Eidra Park
• Rory Kinnear as Prime Minister Nicol Trowbridge
• Ato Essandoh as Stuart Hayford
• Michael McKean as President William Rayburn
• Nana Mensah as Billie Appiah
• Celia Imrie as Margaret Roylin
• Allison Janney as Vice President Grace Penn

The Diplomat season 2 trailer

You can watch the trailer for The Diplomat season 2 right here now.

The Diplomat Season 2 will debut on Netflix on Thursday 31st October 2024 and season 1 is streaming now – sign up from £4.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream.

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