Netflix Drops First Look at 'The Diplomat' Season 3: Power Shifts & Political Intrigue
Netflix has released a teaser for The Diplomat season three, offering fans their first extended look at Bradley Whitford’s new role as Todd Penn, the first gentleman and husband to Allison Janney’s Grace Penn.
Viewers learned in season two’s finale that Grace was on the verge of becoming president after President Rayburn’s death. The teaser confirms that season three will premiere this fall and features several intriguing scenes: Todd being led into an office before sharing a hug with his wife, Kate Wyler (Keri Russell) running on the phone amid the chaos following the shocking finale, and Todd and Kate sharing a wary poolside moment. Notably, Kate’s hairstyle from season two appears to have changed. The preview concludes with the Penns and Kate enjoying cocktails as Todd asks, “How was everyone’s day at the office?”
Season three’s official synopsis reveals a complex political landscape: Kate, now in a role she never sought, faces the fallout of her accusations against Vice President Grace Penn — who has now become president after Rayburn’s death. With her husband Hal (Rufus Sewell) possibly responsible for Rayburn’s demise, Kate navigates an unexpected path to the vice presidency amid tense friendships and political intrigue. Whitford recently finished his role in The Handmaid’s Tale, while Janney expressed surprise at her character’s unexpected rise to power — she even threw a script across the room upon reading it.
Season two ended with shock as Hal informed Kate of Rayburn’s death, elevating Grace to president — a twist that surprised even Janney. Early in season one, Todd was involved in a scandal over an NIH grant mishap, which threatened Grace’s vice presidency. Production for season three was underway before last fall’s debut of season two, promising even more thrilling developments. Showrunner Debora Cahn and executive producers including Russell and Janney are returning for season four, with a cast featuring Ali Ahn, Rory Kinnear, Ato Essandoh, Celia Imrie, Nana Mensah, and Miguel Sandoval.
