The Diplomat (2023)

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Season 1
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Apr 20, 2023
Season #: 3, 2, 1
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23

Critic Reviews

  1. CNN
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    Apr 20, 2023
    60
    Created by Debora Cahn (whose credits include “Homeland” and “The West Wing”), the series exhibits a savvy and timely ear for international relations, introducing tensions involving Iran and Russia along the way....Yet it’s told with the vaguely comedic spin of a “West Wing” walk-and-talk sequence that’s difficult to sustain.
  2. Decider
    Reviewed by: Joel Keller
    Apr 20, 2023
    60
    The supporting cast is solid, from Sewell’s smarmy Hal on down. The show has a mild sense of humor that can alleviate some of the seriousness. But there’s nothing about the show that makes it a buzzy must-watch.
  3. The Telegraph
    Reviewed by: Anita Singh
    Apr 19, 2023
    60
    It’s Homeland meets Emily in Paris, eight episodes of semi-enjoyable nonsense in which the US ambassador in London saves the world from Tory mistakes.
  5. Radio Times
    Reviewed by: James Hibbs
    Apr 19, 2023
    60
    The Diplomat's greatest weakness is that it feels as though it is grasping for ripped-from-the-headlines relevance, with numerous references to semi-recent real-world events, but instead ends up feeling a little bit lame and dated. But once you accept the series for what it truly is, rather than for what it appears to be aspiring to, it's actually a fun ride with engaging characters and an easily digestible plot.
  6. Collider
    Reviewed by: Chase Hutchinson
    Apr 19, 2023
    58
    For every grounded and harrowing development it introduces, The Diplomat becomes a hollow theatrical performance based upon shaky dramatic developments that only end up undercutting the tension it seemed to be going for. ... Through all of this noise, Russell still manages to find some way to bring emotion out of the clunky story.
  7. The Observer (UK)
    Reviewed by: Barbara Ellen
    Sep 10, 2024
    40
    A few episodes in, The Diplomat feels laboured and dated. If you want to watch people standing in posh rooms pointlessly arguing and furthering British stereotypes, you’re better off sticking on a Downton Abbey repeat.

Awards & Rankings

80
#80 Best TV Season of 2023
27
#27 Most Discussed TV Season of 2023

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 37 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 37
  3. Negative: 11 out of 37
  1. pukka
    Apr 28, 2023
    0
    Sounded promising with such a cast. Unfortunately the script is plagued by stereotypes. The authors try so desperately to provide a supposedlySounded promising with such a cast. Unfortunately the script is plagued by stereotypes. The authors try so desperately to provide a supposedly sharp and witty script that they force their actors to deliver it as robots reading an Ikea manual. Since they are diplomats, they have to look constipated and show as much empathy and feelings as my kitchen freezer. There is only one tempo to their exchanges : no silences, my line is supposed to be more clever than your line, and I'm supposed to be vulgar in private so I can blow off steam to relieve the anxiety of my "Oooh so stressful" work environment. The scenario turns out to be quite puerile and the decorum doesn't save this dive into the diplomatic word that looks more like a showy fantasy of "the elite" than the daily life of an ambassador. I love Keri Russell and Rufus Sewell but they overact in a major way as soon as they hit the set and their director obviously loves it...… Full Review »
  2. obnoxiously
    Apr 22, 2023
    10
    Great show. I find it hilarious that when political dramas don’t follow the point of view of “certain” audiences, they will bomb review anGreat show. I find it hilarious that when political dramas don’t follow the point of view of “certain” audiences, they will bomb review an objectively good show, which fortunately hasn’t happened for this show anywhere but here on metacritic. Having said that, go to IMDb for more accurate audience reviews (it also helps also the number of reviews when comparing both sites). Now with the actual show… I think this season was great. It’s certainly in the middle of a good “hamburger” show and something more prestige, but I’m not sure. I think if it hadn’t been for Netflix, it would have had a more intense but less appealing writing for the general public. Having said that, I really enjoyed it! It did incredibly well this balance of drama with tints of smart comedy. The chemistry within the cast and specially between Keri Russell (who was absolutely fantastic) and Rufus Swell ( incredibly delightful performance) was top notch. The strongest part about this show was not the political drama but the relationships, and it’s something that hopefully will drive the next seasons. Nothing more fun and equally interesting than the fights between the two leads, and their very complicated marriage. I don’t often begin tv shows before the series is completed and finished, and -specially- not from Netflix, but I recently watched “The Americans” (which is one show everyone should watch at least once in their lifetime) and Keri Russell has earned the right for me to watch anything she’s in just because of her, and I am glad this time it didn’t disappoint. Hopefully Netflix knows this tv show can become something really great and masterful, and decide to keep it going hopefully for many more seasons, maybe then I will start again to watch new things, but who knows. Anyways, great watch and I completely recommend it.… Full Review »
  3. OlivierPiel
    Apr 25, 2023
    0
    Well, let's just say, this is "bollocks" and sagging boring ones at that. And, as an other reviewer observed, Keri Russel still playing theWell, let's just say, this is "bollocks" and sagging boring ones at that. And, as an other reviewer observed, Keri Russel still playing the same "uncompromising, strong yet constipated woman" character.… Full Review »
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