Sometimes it’s all about timing. And the release of the second series of The Diplomat, the excellent Netflix drama about the new US ambassador to the UK, is arriving just in time.  

The show about power struggles, political hostility and personal dramas will come out on 31 October, just five days before the 5 November election that will see Kamala Harris take on Donald Trump in the battle to become the new US president.

The series scored an Emmy and Golden Globe nomination for Keri Russell (who plays Kate Wyler, the US ambassador to the UK) as well as being viewed for 57.48 million hours in its first weekend of release (the equivalent of almost every person in the UK watching it for an hour). So it’s little wonder the show is returning in such a politically dramatic year. 

Here’s what we know about The Diplomat season two so far…

What is the plot of The Diplomat season two?

Before we go there, let’s recap where we left at the end of series one as the cliff was hanging on with its fingernails. And it goes without saying, there will be spoilers, so avert your eyes now if you’re yet to see season one…

Kate Wyler, who was thrust into the role of diplomat (much to her chagrin and that of her fellow diplomat husband, Hal), learned a dangerous secret when she discovered that an enemy state didn’t attack a British warship as believed. Rather it was planned by Nicol Trowbridge (Rory Kinnear), UK prime minister, to boost his chances of re-election. 

And we don’t know if Kate’s discovery was connected to the huge car explosion that risked the life of her soon-to-be ex-husband and some of her staff. 

 Kate was also wrestling with her attraction to British foreign secretary, Austin Dennison (David Gyasi), as well as the possibility she may become the next vice president of the US.

In season two we now know (thanks to an intriguing new trailer) that Kate’s husband Hal (Rufus Sewell) did survive that potentially fatal explosion, and that the husband she was ready to divorce is now her only real ally. She will also have to deal with the difficult arrival of Grace Penn, the current US vice president.

Cahn, who also worked on political thrillers Homeland and The West Wing says, intriguingly, of the new series: “Everything we thought we knew about the Wylers changes, as does everything they think they know about each other.”

Consider me invested. 

Who stars in The Diplomat season two?

Russell, will of course be returning alongside Sewell as Hal Wyler. The series will also see the return of David Gyasi as UK foreign secretary Austin Dennison, Ato Essandoh as deputy chief of mission Stuart Hayford, Ali Ahn as CIA station chief Eidra Park, Rory Kinnear as the Prime Minister and Celia Imrie as Margaret Roylin.

But, I’m particularly excited about the arrival of Alison Janney (The West Wing and I, Tonya) as Grace Penn to shake everything up. 

When will The Diplomat season two be released?

The show will launch on 31 October on Netflix. In the meantime the brilliant new teaser trailer will keep you (somewhat tensely) entertained. 

Images: Netflix