Forget historical epics, superhero spinoffs or shocking true crime scandals, when it comes to TV series, it doesn’t get any more gripping – or more disturbingly realistic – than a political thriller grounded in reality .

The Diplomat returns to Netflix later this month for a second season, after its 2023 premiere broke records for the streamer.

Here’s everything you need to know about the cast, filming locations, and future of The Diplomat.

What’s happening in The Diplomat season two?

The diplomat follows Kate Wyler (Keri Russell), the new United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom.

Thrust into the middle of an international crisis, Kate must also juggle the deterioration of her marriage to fellow diplomat Hal Wyler (Rufus Sewell), while finding her place in the global spotlight and navigating allies and enemies.

Season two picks up just minutes after season one’s cliffhanger ending, with the impact of a deadly explosion threatening to turn Kate’s world upside down.

A synopsis was published via Tudumand explains: “A deadly explosion in the heart of London shatters the world of American Ambassador Kate Wyler (Keri Russell). As she struggles to rebuild shattered lives and a divided team, Kate’s worst fears are revealed: the attack that brought her to the United Kingdom didn’t come from a rival nation, it came from within of the British government.

“As she searches for the truth, her only real ally is her almost ex-husband Hal Wyler (Rufus Sewell), alive and well. She faces a difficult marriage, a complex dynamic with the British Secretary of State. foreigners Austin Dennison (David Gyasi) and a threatening visit from Vice President Grace Penn (Allison Janney).

Where was The Diplomat filmed?

The first season of The Diplomat included iconic filming locations such as the Louvre in Paris, the Royal Naval College in London and the idyllic landscapes of the Cotswolds. So the pressure was on for the series to build on that for its return.

“Season two really expanded the scope and scale of the show because the scope and scale of the story really increased,” says series director Alex Graves.

St. Paul’s Cathedral, London

When it comes to instantly recognizable London locations, it doesn’t get much bigger – literally – than St Paul’s Cathedral.

During the four days of filming at St Paul’s, the production borrowed dresses from the cathedral. “The robes that our clerics wore were lent to us by the cathedral. This was the fourth time they had been worn, including at the funerals of Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher. It was breathtaking,” says producer Debora Cahn. Tudum.

The iconic London landmark appeared in a series of classic films from Paddington 2 And Wonka, At Harry Potter Movies And Mary Poppins Returns.

Inveraray Castle, Scotland

Inveraray Castle in Scotland is the main setting for the third and fourth episodes, with the action also venturing onto the streets of the town of Inveraray, with production descending on the region for a two-week shoot.

Inveraray Castle and its vast gardens are open to visitors from March to October. The wider area is open to walkers 365 days a year, for those who want to brave the Scottish climate.

Other esteemed TV shows to be filmed at Inveraray Castle include Downton Abbey And A very British scandal.

Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire

Winston Churchill’s birthplace is used as a filming location towards the end of the season, although plot points are being kept under wraps for now.

The list of films filmed at Blenheim Palace includes The Bridgerton Chronicles, Harry Potter and the Order of the PhoenixDisney live-action Cinderellaand spy thriller Mission: Impossible: Rogue Nation.

Blenheim Palace is open to visitors all year round, with exclusive The Bridgerton Chronicles visitstaking viewers behind the scenes, with a string quartet to complete the ambiance.

Wilton House, Salisbury

The property has recently been used for Disney+ series Rivalsand previously served as a key on-screen location in The Crown, Pride and Prejudice, And The Bridgerton Chronicles.

Wilton House is currently closed for the winter, but will reopen to visitors in 2025.

Wrotham Park, Hertfordshire

Scenes from the American ambassador’s residence were filmed at Wrotham Park, a large country estate in South Mimms, Hertfordshire.

Wrotham Park was previously used as a filming location for the Netflix gangster series Gentlemen, and period dramas The Crown, Bridgerton, And Downton Abbey.

The real residence of the American ambassador is Winfield House, located in Regent’s Park, a short walk from London Zoo.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, London

Hats off to the production team for choosing the UK Foreign Office as their location.

Specific areas within the site used for filming include Durbar Court, where the coronation celebrations of King Edward VII took place in 1902.

The Grand Staircase is also present in the scenes, with its red carpet and various sculptures and busts of former foreign ministers.

Glen Torridon, Scotland

The picturesque hills that make up the landscape of Glen Torridon in Scotland date back more than 750 million years.

This stunning location has already featured in Stranger And Mary, Queen of Scots.

Glen Torridon is a paradise for hikers, geologists and nature lovers. Visitors can even spot otters fishing in the lakes or take part in archaeological digs thanks to the National Trust for Scotland.

Syon House, London

Situated near Kew Gardens, the spectacular London home of the Duke of Northumberland was built in the 16th century on the site of the medieval Syon Abbey. open to visitors from January to October.

Syon House has previously been used as a filming location for The Bridgerton Chronicles, NapoleonAnd Transformers: The Last Knight.

Who is in the cast of The Diplomat?

Keri Russell as Kate Wyler, America’s new diplomat in the United Kingdom, who faces a baptism of fire as she helps defuse an international crisis in her first days on the job.

The actress has a varied list of on-screen credits, including Mission: Impossible III, Cocaine Bearand featured in the Star Wars sequel trilogy as masked mercenary Zorrii Bliss.

Rufus Sewell as Hal, Kate’s husband, and one of her only true allies. With his fate uncertain at the end of the first season, fans will be relieved to know that Hal is back for the second run, but who knows what the future holds.

Rufus previously starred in Amazon The Man in the High Castleand Netflix drama Scooplike Prince Andrew.

Allison Janney (The west wing) joins the cast as Vice President Grace Penn, an adversary of Kate’s in the upcoming season.

The diplomat also stars Ali Ahn (Agathe throughout) as CIA station chief Eidra Park, Ato Essandoh (Girls) as Kate’s chief of staff, Stuart Hayford, and Rory Kinnear (The Rings of Power) like British Prime Minister Nicol Trowbridge.

Is The Diplomat based on a true story?

In short, no. But the executive producers met with real diplomats to make sure everything on screen was as accurate as possible.

“We consult a lot of different experts — former ambassadors, diplomats, CIA officers — to get the details right,” explained producer Janice Williams.

“As crazy as some of the scenes we shoot seem to be, almost all of them are from a real location. These are not reconstructions, but the content of these ideas is real.

How can I watch The Diplomat?

The diplomat returns to Netflix this month, with six new episodes released on Thursday, October 31.

Check out the trailer below for a glimpse of the drama.

Will there be an th3rd season of The Diplomat?

Yes! Fans of the series are in luck, with the future of The diplomat being confirmed before the second season even aired.

A third season of The diplomat has received the green light and filming has already begun in London and New York.

“The third season flips the board,” showrunner Debora Cahn told Netflix. Tudum blogging. “In season three, Kate experiences the peculiar nightmare of getting what you want.”

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