Allison Janney (Lou) will guest star in Season 2 of The Diplomat, joining the cast led by Keri Russell.
On April 20, 2023, The Diplomat premiered, reaching #1 on Netflix’s weekly global Top 10 TV English list. Within its first weekend, the series garnered 57.48 million hours of views and made it to the Top 10 in 87 countries.
The series was nominated at the Golden Globe, Emmy, SAG, PGA, and CCA- and has received numerous additional accolades since it premiered last year.
WHO WILL JANNEY PLAY?
The seven-time Emmy Award winner will play Vice President Grace Penn.
We can already imagine the amusing and potentially contentious scenarios that might arise between Vice President Penn and Kate Wyler, the new US Ambassador to the United Kingdom.
Janney will reunite with fellow West Wing alum and the series creator Debora Cahn on The Diplomat.
SEASON 2 FILMING SCHEDULE
The series was renewed for a second season on May 1, 2023. Season 2 started filming in June 2023. The actors’ strike, which began on July 14, 2024, stopped the production. There has been no new information on the filming reprising since then.
WHERE WE LEFT OFF IN SEASON 1?
An explosion occurs on a British aircraft carrier in the Middle East, killing 41 British sailors. The attack remains unclaimed. Kate Wyler, set to become the American ambassador in Afghanistan, is instead redirected to London by the President of the United States. She will serve as the ambassador to the United Kingdom.
Kate is not interested in a new job that involves attending galas, tea parties, and fundraising. She is, however, intelligent, decisive, and great at governing. Kate suspects that the President wants to send her husband, Hal, to London instead of her. Hal is a legendary diplomat who has successfully negotiated the end of wars, but his manipulative ways have made him many enemies. Hal is not used to standing in the background and letting his wife take the spotlight. This new role may have implications for their marriage.
KATE’S APPOINTMENT IN THE UK IS A TRIAL
Unbeknownst to Kate, the President, his Chief of Staff, and even her own husband are conspiring against her. Kate’s recent appointment and her performance under the spotlight will serve as a trial to determine if she would make a suitable candidate for the Vice President position.
The ambassador’s post does not lack substance. Without creating resentment, Kate needs to persuade people with conflicting agendas, including the British Prime Minister (Rory Kinnear) and Foreign Secretary.
WHAT HAPPENS IN THE END?
At the end of the eighth episode, Kate discovers that the explosion of the aircraft carrier was caused by the UK Prime Minister. At the same time, Hal is caught in a car explosion on the streets of London.
It’s uncertain who survived the blast as flames and smoke surround him.
The series is created by Debora Cahn, who is also executive producer alongside Janice Wiliams, Keri Russell, Alex Graves, and Peter Noah.