Deborah Cahn’s new drama The Diplomat arrived on Netflix on Thursday (April 20) and fans are already comparing it The West Wing.
Cahn began his career as a writer and producer on the acclaimed political drama, generally considered one of the greatest TV shows ever, and is also known for his work on native land.
Her new series follows Keri Russell as the US Ambassador to the UK who tries to divorce her husband (Rufus Sewel) in the midst of a diplomatic crisis.
The series also stars Rory Kinnear, David Gyasi, Ali Ahn and Ato Essando.
Many critics and viewers have chosen The Diplomatthe analogy of The West Wing and Russell’s performance, in particular, in their praise for the series.
“Great cast. I’m hooked. As the reviews say, a modern day West Wing drama quality,” one person tweeted about the show.
“The Diplomat hit Netflix tomorrow and it’s incredible, Awards Watch Founder Erik Anderson tweeted on Wednesday. “There is West Wing bones and is the best of its kind since then. Keri Russell and Rufus Sewell are a perfect match and the supporting cast of Ato Essandoh, David Gyasi, Ali Ahn, Nana Mensah and Michael McKean are spot on.”
“The Diplomat is absolutely perfect television. I missed such a show, I craved it, and it’s finally here but there are only 8 episodes,” wrote another, adding: “Recommended for all West WingFans out there.”
“Tuning in The Diplomat because if you say Keri Russell and creator involved with The West Wing in the same sentence it’s a given that I’m gonna watch,” said others.
In an interview with The Hollywood ReporterRussell revealed that he never saw his costar Sewel in his most famous role.
“We have never met before. And I really haven’t seen it yet The feast. But I know the poster,” she said. “We were just really easy, super comfortable in each other’s space. We laughed a lot and were both silly on set. It helps to provide a full undercurrent of electricity.”
The Diplomat is available to stream now on Netflix.