The Diplomat (2023)

Netflix | Release Date: April 20, 2023

6.5	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 29 Ratings

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User Reviews

User score By date Most helpful

V1KTORMay 7, 2023

It's basically the Netflix version of "Madame Secretary" except the times it's trying to be "House of Cards".

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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katezoeMay 10, 2023

Tries being clever does not succeed. Tries being political thriller does not succeed.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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skwelApr 22, 2023

Mixed bag. Throws at you believable international political scenario (which is interesting) and two main great actors (really great!), but then 'netflixize' it to adjust to some kind of algorithm to please everyone watching. So the diplomatsMixed bag. Throws at you believable international political scenario (which is interesting) and two main great actors (really great!), but then 'netflixize' it to adjust to some kind of algorithm to please everyone watching. So the diplomats innerworkings become unrealistic soon enough and office melodrama becomes tiring and uninteresting. Plot twists becomes just silly. Promising show wants to be everything in one and in the end becomes diluted.

Surprised some critics claim it's 'extraordinary smart' (Chicago Tribune) or 'rich stew' (San Frrisco Chronicle) - did we really lower our expectations so much or that's just nexus of critics and producers helping each other here? It's serviceable fun sometimes, but really helps you can fast forward scenes - otherwise would be too dull and painful to watch. If it's really extraordinary smart, rather 'new smart', nothing else.… Expand

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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portobellojimApr 21, 2023

This show is poor. The premise is daft, the characters ridiculous and it doesn't know whether it's an espionage thriller, a comedy, an Aaron Sorkin soap opera or whatever. The lead is a serious diplomat who wants to heal Afghanistan, butThis show is poor. The premise is daft, the characters ridiculous and it doesn't know whether it's an espionage thriller, a comedy, an Aaron Sorkin soap opera or whatever. The lead is a serious diplomat who wants to heal Afghanistan, but instead she's sent to London as the ambassador. She resents this because it's ceremonial - but she still has to solve the world's problems while reluctantly taking part in various luxurious activities while being served by various amusing flunkies ... Meanwhile her marriage may be on the rocks, the president is teeing her up to be his VP.... The whole thing is nonsense and fails on every front The cast has Keri Russell, Rufus Sewell, Rory kinnear and Michael McKean which makes the show's mediocrity surprising. Netflix has churned out a show that feels like it was written by committee or algorithm.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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joelgreenbergApr 27, 2023

The Diplomat plays like network TV on a streaming platform that permits as many **** phrases as the writers please. In fact, the emphatic overuse of the word is probably the most personality that the script offers. Keri Russell appears toThe Diplomat plays like network TV on a streaming platform that permits as many **** phrases as the writers please. In fact, the emphatic overuse of the word is probably the most personality that the script offers. Keri Russell appears to have left her sense of humour in her trailer, while Rufus Sewell revels in his playful, opaque characterization. The series is a C or D level West Wing, a step down from the less engaging Madam Secretary.
The final episode is certainly fodder for a second season, so we'll have to wait until the ratings and the kingmakers green light what is hardly necessary or enlightening.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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EludiumQ36May 9, 2023

"The Diplomat" (S01, 8 eps, 43-55 mins, Netflix) is a really good political thriller. It's got all the big chess pieces, the US president, Secy of State, Ambassador to the UK, the UK prime minister, etc - though no royals, nope, not here."The Diplomat" (S01, 8 eps, 43-55 mins, Netflix) is a really good political thriller. It's got all the big chess pieces, the US president, Secy of State, Ambassador to the UK, the UK prime minister, etc - though no royals, nope, not here. There are several story threads in this pathetically short 8-ep season - yes, after four years of streaming, it's time to bring back 20+ episode seasons, not these dainty little larks that disappear in a wisp and may never come back or take their time after one or two years. Anyway, the main thread is on the world stage with a terror attack on a UK carrier which becomes a season long whodunnit. The pace is good, production values are good, it's a strong first season. But you know what I and others can't get past is that Keri Russell, who's the star and one of five exec producers, basically plays a man, and this is NOT an exaggeration. She ditches her femininity, hates dresses and blouses that show her top, talks in a deep voice, wears a scowl the entire time as she wears black pants/tops, refers to her husband who she basically hate/loves and is the former ambassador to UK, as "the wife" and even has HIM saying that! It's this CRAP that the viewing public can't stand being forced at them. But you know, even how sadly laughable all that is, it could've worked if she had stature, but she's a petite little 95-lb lady standing just over 5-ft totally overshadowed by all the other characters standing near 6-ft or taller. It's so absurdist. Again, fine show, would watch a sophomore season if/when it ever returns but the way she plays "Kate" detracts from what could've been an outstanding first season and is reflected in my "7" rating.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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matthewmirlianiApr 26, 2023

Solid political thriller that will help fill the hole left by Homeland and The Americans. Keri is excellent as always. It’s well-balanced with suspense and humor, and is extremely timely. The excellent finale will leave you wanting more.

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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bertobellamyJun 3, 2023

A good political thriller with unexpected comedy here and there. The acting is on par with what you'd expect from a series like this. The central mystery involves you in the story from the beginning.