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. 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.
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. 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.
  7. 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

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).
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  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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