We’re rapidly closing in on the end of 2024. It was a year full of big swings on both the big and small screen. As the year comes to an end, I’m looking back on the series that worked for me that you can check out now. Today, it’s the second season of a Netflix espionage drama.
Series: The Diplomat
Where to Find It: All six season two episodes are now streaming on Netflix
What’s It About: The Diplomat was an under-the-radar hit for Netflix in 2023. It returned for a second season in 2024, picking up quickly where the first season left off. The focus of the series is on Kate Wyler (Keri Russell), a former CIA officer who has been appointed Ambassador to England. That comes at a delicate time for England and her own country.
Back at home, the United States is looking to make some changes. The President is looking to move on from his Vice President, and the administration is looking to make a splash. That means considering Kate as the selection. Her husband, a former Ambassador Hal (Rufus Sewell), is thrilled. She’s less sold it’s the right move.
Meanwhile, England is reeling after a terror attack. The Prime Minister (Rory Kinnear) is looking to get those responsible in a show of strength. The Foreign Secretary (David Gyasi) is looking to get to the bottom of things, and a possible inside connection. That means working closely with Kate and the Americans to get at the truth.
Why It Makes the List
The first season of this show was captivating, full of a lot of twists and turns. It also ended on a huge cliffhanger with a bombing that left some of our stars in peril. This second season picks up the action right there and adds to the intensity. It’s a six-episode season, which feels closer to a British series in length, and it simply flies by.
I love the performances here. Kinnear is a decorated character actor, and he’s great as the Prime Minister. But a lot of this relies on Russell and Gyasi. Their back-and-forth is a lot of fun and they smolder on screen. This second season upped the action by bringing in Alison Janney, who plays the Vice President. That arc between her and Russell and Sewell was fascinating. And, once again, this show leaves off on an amazing cliffhanger, resolving one storyline while opening a whole new can of worms.
If you’ve never seen The Diplomat, it’s worth diving in. All 14 episodes from the first two seasons are available for a quick holiday binge.