Keri Russell, one of my favorite actors, stars as Kate Wyler in the Netflix political thriller “The Diplomat”. Her portrayal of a character is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat; she also serves as an executive producer. In this review, I’ll delve into Season 3 without giving away any spoilers, and bring you up to speed on the series as a whole.
Russell has been captivating audiences since her breakout role in the 1990s TV series “Felicity,” and caught my attention in the 2007 movie “Waitress.” In this film, she plays a waitress in a small Southern town who creates delicious desserts, but her marriage to an overbearing hooligan (Jeremy Sisto) makes her happiness impossible.
Another standout in Russell’s career is “The Americans” (2013), a unique series that delves into the lives of two KGB agents posing as an ordinary American couple during the Cold War. Russell’s co-star in this gripping drama is the talented actor, Matthew Rhys. They play Philip and Elizabeth Jennings two KGB spies who are in an arranged marriage, they are posing as Americans in suburban Washington, D.C. in 1984 during Ronald Reagan presidency. Teenager Paige and preteen Henry, are their children who are unaware of their parents’ true identities.
In “The Diplomat,” she plays a career diplomat propelled into the weighty role of U.S. ambassador to the UK in the middle of an international catastrophe. Her new situation places her under enormous anxiety on both her personal and professional life. The series extensively studies the intricate political and personal parleys. Her character, Kate Wyler, is a seasoned, behind-the-scenes crisis manager who is suddenly appointed to a high-profile ambassadorship and now faces personal and professional challenges. Her character and outstanding performance have resonated with audiences and critics, so much so that she was nominated for an Emmy Award.
As Kate navigates the unpredictable waters of geopolitical crises, she also struggles with a troubled marriage to her husband, Hal Wyler (Rufus Sewell), a prominent British diplomat. These personal challenges add depth to her character, making her more relatable to the audience. He’s currently a sidelined diplomat who’s unhappy being in the background while his wife has center stage. Formerly, he was the US Ambassador to Lebanon, where he negotiated the end of wars through his ruthless tactics, and was also fired after accusing the Secretary of State of being a war criminal. Their chemistry is great to watch as his charismatic personality can turn quickly into driven, ruthless and manipulator similar to maneuvers he used in this negation’s during his career. He appears genuinely loyal to Kate, yet his ambition and his schemes often cause conflict between them.
Yes, “The Diplomat” is one of my favorite TV shows, and Season 3 was excellent as well. I enjoy the yin and yang between Kate and Hal; they are both such interesting and complicated characters to view, and at times unpredictable. Their acting is some of the best on TV right now. I am also thrilled there will be a Season 4.
Sarah Knight Adamson© October 10, 2025
Hollywood 360 Radio Review: https://www.hollywood360radio.com/the-diplomat-season-3-netflix-october-16-2025/