Netflix has quietly set early filming plans, teasing a massive new chapter packed with global tension, political chaos, and power plays that could rewrite everything we know. 
With production ramping up and secrets already leaking from set, fans are calling it “the biggest season yet” — and honestly, they might be right. 
The Diplomat – Cr. Nick Wall/Netflix © 2025
Netflix’s hit political thriller drama series The Diplomat is set to return for its third and eventually fourth season, which was confirmed earlier this year. When are cameras going to roll? We’ve just received a major production update.
In case you missed it, Netflix confirmed season 4 of the show well ahead of its season return in October 2025, all the way back in May as part of its Upfront presentation. The renewal came alongside confirmations of future seasons for Forever, Bridgerton, Survival of the Thickest, and The Four Seasons.
Production on Season 4 is scheduled to start on November 3, 2025, according to production listings seen by What’s on Netflix. The series is expected to split its time once again between London in the United Kingdom and New York in the US. While an exact wrap date hasn’t been provided, one source suggests that filming will take place throughout most of 2026, with a wrap-up sometime in mid-summer, targeting early July.
What could this mean for a release date? It’s too early to say, but the show has been reasonably consistent in adhering to an annual release schedule, with Season 1 in 2023, Season 2 in 2024, and, of course, Season 4 in 2025. While late 2026 could be on the cards, it would be a squeeze. Instead, we expect to get the show qualified for the Emmys sometime in early 2027.
As for how long the series will run, we’re not really sure. The series suffered a significant viewership drop between seasons 1 and 2, but not to the point where Netflix felt compelled to cancel it.
Of course, before season 4, all eyes are on Season 3 of the show, which returns for an “expanded” eight-episode season on October 16, 2025.
In Season 3, Kate Wyler faces the bitter reality of getting exactly what she wished for. After accusing Vice President Grace Penn (Allison Janney) of orchestrating a terrorist plot and confessing her own ambitions for the job, the President suddenly dies, possibly at the hands of her husband Hal. With Penn now leading the nation, Hal pushes harder than ever to secure Kate the vice presidency. Thrust into a role she never sought, Kate must navigate unexpected freedom, a fraught connection with Foreign Secretary Austin Dennison (David Gyasi), and a disquieting bond with First Gentleman Todd Penn (Bradley Whitford).
Are you excited for the future of The Diplomat? Let us know in the comments down below. We’ll have a full preview for season 3 in due course, but until then, keep it locked on What’s on Netflix.
