Allison Janney as Grace in Season 2 of "The Diplomat."
Bradley Whitford as Todd Penn Season 3 of "The Diplomat."

"The Diplomat" is returning for an all-new season, with more drama, thrills and action.

Season 2 of Netflix's political thriller wrapped up with Kate Wyler (Keri Russell) realizing the Season 1 attack on a British naval ship came from inside the British government, with Prime Minister Nicol Trowbridge's (Rory Kinnear) former adviser Margaret “Meg” Roylin (Celia Imrie) being involved. However, it doesn't end there. Kate also finds out, much to her shock, that Vice President Grace Penn (Allison Janney), who wanted to squash Scotland’s efforts to break free from the UK, was also involved in the attack.

But instead of telling U.S. Secretary of State Miguel Ganon (Miguel Sandoval) what Penn did, Kate’s diplomat husband, Hal, calls President Rayburn (Michael McKean) directly to give him the news, and he does not handle it well. As the season nears its end, it is revealed that President Rayburn had died, and Penn is now president.

Here's what to know about Season 3 of "The Diplomat," including the release date and cast.

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'The Diplomat' Season 3 release date

Season 3 of "The Diplomat" is scheduled to premiere Oct. 16 on Netflix, the streamer announced on Monday, Aug. 18.

Season 1 of "The Diplomat" was released on April 20, 2023, with eight episodes, while Season 2 came out on October 31, 2024, with six episodes.

What will happen in 'The Diplomat' Season 3?

Season 3 of "The Diplomat" picks up with the president dead, and Grace Penn (Allison Janney) as the leader of the free world. Kate admits she's got her eyes on the VP's seat and accuses Penn of hatching a terrorist plot, according to Tudum. However, none of this slows down Kate's husband Hal's plan to land her the vice presidency.

"Kate steps into a role she never wanted, with a freedom she never expected, an increasingly complicated friendship with Foreign Secretary Austin Dennison (David Gyasi), and an unnerving bond with First Gentleman Todd Penn (Whitford)," says Netflix about the upcoming season.

Series showrunner Debora Cahn told Netflix Tudum, “Season 3 flips the chessboard.”

“In Season 3, Kate lives the particular nightmare that is getting what you want," Cahn teased.

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'The Diplomat' Season 3 cast

Cast members for Season 3 of "The Diplomat" include a mix of old and new faces, with Bradley Whitford joining the cast as Todd Penn, President Grace Penn’s husband.

According to Netflix, here's a list of actors and their characters for Season 3 of "The Diplomat":

  • Keri Russell as Kate Wyler
  • Rufus Sewell as Hal Wyler
  • David Gyasi as Austin Dennison
  • Ali Ahn as Eidra Park
  • Ato Essandoh as Stuart Hayford
  • Allison Janney as Grace Penn
  • Bradley Whitford as Todd Penn
  • Rory Kinnear as Nicol Trowbridge

Watch 'The Diplomat' Season 3 teaser

How to watch 'The Diplomat'

Seasons 1 and 2 of "The Diplomat" are available to stream on Netflix.

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Season 3 of Netflix's 'The Diplomat' is coming. See release date.

Reporting by Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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