The Diplomat (2023)

:

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

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User Reviews

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  1. 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 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 theGreat 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.… Expand
  2. 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 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 theirSounded 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...… Expand
  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 the same "uncompromising, strong yet constipated woman" character.
  4. skwel
    Apr 24, 2023
    3
    Another victim of 'netflixation' by algorithms catering to all, instead trying to find it own footing. Promising premise at first, then diluted. Not really an espionage, neither Sorkin's White House bored down to some office melodrama. Fortunately you can keep fast forwarding those parts. Script feels like written by AI, pretends to be smart, but quite empty and meaningless. CriticsAnother victim of 'netflixation' by algorithms catering to all, instead trying to find it own footing. Promising premise at first, then diluted. Not really an espionage, neither Sorkin's White House bored down to some office melodrama. Fortunately you can keep fast forwarding those parts. Script feels like written by AI, pretends to be smart, but quite empty and meaningless. Critics calling it 'extraordinarily smart' are either joking or not too smart.… Expand
  5. Bibliographer
    Apr 28, 2023
    8
    Fast-paced, intellectually engaging, nuanced and funny. Reminiscent of ‘Madam Secretary’ without the warm and fuzzy bits. Aspires to sophistication and often hits the mark, with a terrific cast.
  6. shoulderoforion
    Apr 22, 2023
    7
    I liked this first season immensely, even though, and I grant, there are some situations they have had to have gotten wrong, and make my eyes roll. I liked it much more than I didn't, and it kept me interested until the last episode. I hope they bring this back for a second season. I've suffered, and ended early, many much worse productions over the past couple years, and this was anI liked this first season immensely, even though, and I grant, there are some situations they have had to have gotten wrong, and make my eyes roll. I liked it much more than I didn't, and it kept me interested until the last episode. I hope they bring this back for a second season. I've suffered, and ended early, many much worse productions over the past couple years, and this was an easy watch.… Expand
  7. Dee-Jay_Deli
    Apr 23, 2023
    8
    I'm enjoying this immensely so far. The show is well-shot (although is does have the typical "Netflix look") and often set in beautiful historic buildings and fast-paced. In fact, the plot moves so quickly at times it's hard to keep up with who/what/when/where.

    I can't comment on the realism of the political processes but it's engaging, plausible, fast-paced and with memorable characters.
  8. wormcast
    Apr 30, 2023
    10
    A smart show in an age of simplistic dross, and one with a convincing air of authenticity. The plot is almost real-time in its references to current events, and people with a solid knowledge of American foreign affairs may recognize some of the real-world people that clearly influenced the creation of the the main characters. The acting is excellent, and the production quality seamless. IA smart show in an age of simplistic dross, and one with a convincing air of authenticity. The plot is almost real-time in its references to current events, and people with a solid knowledge of American foreign affairs may recognize some of the real-world people that clearly influenced the creation of the the main characters. The acting is excellent, and the production quality seamless. I was quite quite annoyed to realize that I had just watched the season finale.… Expand
  9. Ecurb
    May 3, 2023
    10
    Fabulous show. Don't listen to the negatives. The acting by Kerry Russell is terrific. Very different than her other portrayals. Her husband steal the show, though.
    Great story.
  10. CharlieBrown8
    Aug 12, 2023
    10
    Absolutely fantastic show. The relatable and grounded characters, Sorkin-style witty dialogue and the well-thought out story twists that never get too ludicrous, elevate this notable above similar shows like Madame Secretary. I work in foreign policy, and while this is of course far exaggerated fiction, the overall tone and mood was realistic and well captured. I found every single episodeAbsolutely fantastic show. The relatable and grounded characters, Sorkin-style witty dialogue and the well-thought out story twists that never get too ludicrous, elevate this notable above similar shows like Madame Secretary. I work in foreign policy, and while this is of course far exaggerated fiction, the overall tone and mood was realistic and well captured. I found every single episode absolutely delightful. Can’t wait for Season 2!… Expand
  11. portobellojim
    Jul 7, 2023
    3
    It's ridiculous to score a show like this 0 (0r 10) out of 10. It's not incompetent and it's also not in any way witty or original.
    What it is, is a really mediocre show with predictable characters, stupid storylines and a central premise and character that are no where near as cute or clever as the writers seem to believe. This is Aaron Sorkin lite; it fails as comedy or satire and    It's ridiculous to score a show like this 0 (0r 10) out of 10. It's not incompetent and it's also not in any way witty or original.
    What it is, is a really mediocre show with predictable characters, stupid storylines and a central premise and character that are no where near as cute or clever as the writers seem to believe. This is Aaron Sorkin lite; it fails as comedy or satire and it fails as espionage.
    I have no idea why it's getting such good reviews.    … Expand
  12. Ewestre01
    Jul 17, 2023
    3
    I understand that displaying a hard working strong-willed female character who does not wash her hair is forward thinking, but then she is also consistently abrasively attacking anyone who can help her, repeatedly betraying the one person who seems to genuinely appreciate her talents, and then going back to the man who obviously lies and manipulates her multiple times per day. TheI understand that displaying a hard working strong-willed female character who does not wash her hair is forward thinking, but then she is also consistently abrasively attacking anyone who can help her, repeatedly betraying the one person who seems to genuinely appreciate her talents, and then going back to the man who obviously lies and manipulates her multiple times per day. The protagonist's defining leadership characteristic seems to be talking down to everyone who does not immediately agree with her point of view and want to do her bidding. She just does not seem to develop. The rhythm of these exchanges is so consistent and repetitive it becomes comedic, so it was sort of fun to predict the ups and downs of each conversation. Her: "You are stupid, I was in the trenches! Children dying before my eyes!" Other: "Gosh that would be breaking the rules!" Her: "Well the rules were made by idiots! Now do it my way!"

    There is a good amount of time spent showing her shoving food in her face like an animal (why?) and quite a bit of allusion to her not bathing consistently. I guess that does happen and I would also be critical if she was perfect, gorgeous, well mannered and well dressed at all times, but it seems really overdone and unrealistic. We get it! These things are not her priority!

    There are a few oddly out of place scenes in later episodes that seem to be attempting to show the characters attending to the little things in life in awkward ways (they are still just people I guess!), one being a midnight "raid" by husband and wife on the kitchen pantry as if they had not eaten in years. Such fun and frivolity! Cramming pies and tarts in our faces with no utensils!! You scoundrels, still just kids at heart! Ugh, so very forced and out of place.

    Finally the supposed undeniable attraction between the main character and another central character (whom she has betrayed professionally multiple times to get her way) really has no chemistry whatsoever. It does not make sense, feels really forced, and when they are physically close to each other I actually cringe... it seems like the actors both are not feeling it.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. Slate
    Reviewed by: Fred Kaplan
    Oct 31, 2024
    70
    The pace is crisp; the acting is fine, striking a balance between dramatic immersion and wink-and-nudge rom-com. I went with it, binged all eight episodes of Season 1, and didn’t hate myself afterward (except until the very end of the final episode, with its three cliffhangers, none of which makes the slightest bit of sense).
    Read full review
  2. 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.
    Read full review
  3. The Atlantic
    Reviewed by: Sophie Gilbert
    May 24, 2023
    80
    The pleasure of The Diplomat, Netflix’s zippy new geopolitical drama, is how enticingly it ties together tropes and tricks from shows gone by, a TV bouquet that’s undeniably familiar and yet still seems fresh.
    Read full review
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