Binge The Diplomat on Netflix

The Diplomat follows a new US Ambassador to the United Kingdom in a “high-stakes, contemporary political drama about the transcendence and torture of long-term relationships, between countries and people.”

Russell, no stranger to international thrillers after an excellent run on FX’s “The Americans,” plays Kate Wyler, newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom stuck dealing with diplomatic chaos. 

She’d have an easier time, except for her husband Hal (Rufus Sewell), a fellow career diplomat recently ousted from his own ambassadorship and not accustomed to playing second fiddle to his wife.

And he’s not letting the fact that he’s not employed by the U.S. government stop him from dabbling in international relations. 

The series centers on Kate Wyler as she takes on her new role as US Ambassador to the UK.

Kate was supposed to go to Afghanistan, but now she must diffuse international crises and forge strategic alliances in London, while adjusting to her new place in the spotlight and trying to survive her marriage to fellow career diplomat and political star Hal.

Kate’s charismatic husband Hal Wyler is played by British actor Rufus Sewell.

Sewell has had an extensive career on stage and screen for more than 30 years and is perhaps best-known for his roles in A Knight’s Tale, The Illusionist and the award-winning Judy.

Between Kate and Hal’s fiery and contentious marriage, the attractive and smart staffers tat the American Embassy in London and the ever-so-charming British Foreign Secretary (David Gyasi) Kate keeps ending up in close quarters with, there’s plenty of drama (and some melodrama) in “Diplomat.”

It’s the kind of addictive, pulpy drama that keeps you clicking “next episode.”

Creator Debora Cahn (who, not coincidentally, has worked on both “Wing” and “Grey’s”), wisely sets the political drama on the international stage so Kate and Hal needn’t get involved in the contentious world of domestic American politics.

Up against bumbling world leaders and an unfamiliar political landscape, Kate’s biggest hurdle also happens to be one of her most valuable assets: Her charismatic rogue of a husband, Hal Wyler (Rufus Sewell).

After being benched from his own ambassadorships for repeatedly running his mouth, Hal finds himself playing second fiddle to his wife for the first time in their 15-year marriage.

At its best, “The Diplomat” is driven by the contrast between Kate’s cautious pragmatism and Hal’s impulsive, yet often effective, manipulations as he attempts to mold her into a political juggernaut.