Netflix has recently released a trailer for The Diplomat season 3, finally introducing Bradley Whitford’s new character, and it creates a major connection to his 26-year-old series. The Diplomat centers on Ambassador Kate Wyler (Keri Russell) and her time as the American ambassador to the UK, dealing with an unexpected tragedy that is far more mysterious than it initially seems. Following an attack on a British carrier, Kate and her team must figure out who exactly is involved in the explosion, leading to the unraveling of a massive cover-up.
While Kate and her contacts are initially convinced that the British attacked their own ship, by the end of The Diplomat season 2, she learns that the conspiracy traces back to her own government, specifically Allison Janney’s Vice President Grace Penn. The final moments of the season confirm an even more shocking reality: that Grace Penn is now the President. Now, with The Diplomat season 3 on the horizon, Bradley Whitford’s character will join the White House, creating a fun parallel to his older show.
The West Wing Is A Must-Watch Show That Still Influences Political Dramas Today
It Is The Perfect Series For Fans Of The Genre
There is no shortage of political dramas available to stream today, but The West Wing stands out above them all. The iconic series centers on the President and staff of the West Wing and the decisions that each character must make throughout their day to keep the country running, dealing with both personal drama and large-scale political issues. The West Wing ran for seven seasons, and during that time it became iconic for its gripping, fast-paced plots, excellent writing, and phenomenal performances.
Related
10 Best Episodes Of The West Wing
The best episodes of The West Wing make it clear exactly why the highly acclaimed show is considered one of the greatest of all time.
The way that the series approached a wide array of political issues, creating a sense of realism in the fictional administration, has since served as inspiration for numerous political dramas. From the lives of the high-powered government employees to the personal and political problems that the President faces, echoes of The West Wing can be seen in politically focused shows across various genres, from Veep to Scandal. The Diplomat itself certainly takes inspiration from The West Wing in its own way, and their similarities are only going to grow in season 3.
The West Wing Is Getting An Actor Reunion In The Diplomat Season 3
Whitford Joins His Former The West Wing Co-Star In Season 3
Given that The West Wing is one of the most iconic shows of all time, The Diplomat‘s casting update and new season 3 trailer are a huge win for the series. The Diplomat itself does feel quite distinct from The West Wing, given its different setting and the focus on Keri Russell’s Ambassador Kate Wyler, but the complex political maneuvering throughout the series is clearly inspired by the older show. Not only that, but the additions of Janney and Whitford in seasons 2 and 3, respectively, are a nod to The West Wing.
The Diplomat season 3 will see Janney return as Grace Penn, now the President, and Whitford will join as her husband, Todd Penn.
Janney starred in The West Wing as CJ Cregg, the press secretary, and Whitford starred as Josh Lyman, the deputy chief of staff. Their two characters were some of the most important and memorable in the series, and The Diplomat season 3 is returning both actors to the White House. Janney will return as Grace Penn, now the President, and Whitford will join as her husband, Todd Penn. Grace Penn has already proven herself to be very politically adept, and Whitford’s First Gentleman will likely be just as ambitious.
Why The West Wing Is Considered One Of The Best TV Shows Of All Time
It Changed What Television Could Be
Almost two decades after the show’s ending, The West Wing still stands among the greatest shows of all time. During its run, it won dozens of awards, including Emmy wins for Alan Alda, Stockard Channing, Janney, Richard Schiff, John Spencer, and Whitford, and a Golden Globe for Martin Sheen. The series also won awards for its direction and writing. On this note in particular, many critics have cited Aaron Sorkin’s writing for the first four seasons as some of the best TV writing of all time.
Though The West Wing did receive a bit more criticism after Sorkin left, the series still remained strong thanks to the brilliant performances. Additionally, the show’s approach to politics was commended by critics and audiences. Though not everything about the series is accurate, some realistic details kept it entertaining. On a slightly less realistic note, the show has also been praised for its idealized version of politics that lightened the tone. Though The Diplomat is less optimistic, Kate’s earnest approach does hold a spark of that same sensibility that The West Wing perfected.
