For two seasons running, the series known as “The Diplomat” has been delivering political suspense to Netflix viewers, garnering multiple Emmy Award nominations along the way. The recent announcement of Bradley Whitford joining the cast will undoubtedly attract more fans, given his history with Allison Janney from their days on “The West Wing”. With fans of “The West Wing” now eagerly preparing to watch “The Diplomat” before Season 3, showrunner Debora Cahn can surely appreciate the increased interest. However, I can see why she might have hesitated initially.
In the Netflix series “The Diplomat,” Keri Russell takes the lead role. In Season 2, Allison Janney joins as US Vice President Grace Penn. As we move into Season 3, slated for release in 2025, Grace’s husband Todd will be introduced. When considering actors for this role, Debora Cahn initially hesitated at the idea of it being a reunion from “The West Wing,” sharing her thoughts with Entertainment Weekly.
Initially, it seemed like a playful suggestion, something along the lines of, “Maybe we could get Brad on board.” However, my concern was that the show might start resembling a tribute band of ‘The West Wing.’
Absolutely, that’s a thoughtful observation. Both shows share a political theme and “The West Wing,” created by Aaron Sorkin, is renowned for its rewatchability. Additionally, we wouldn’t want to dilute the impact of “The Diplomat” by what could be perceived as ‘stunt casting.’
Thankfully, the showrunner’s concerns didn’t last long, as she said:
I’ve grown increasingly assured that bringing together these two individuals will create a fresh, unique experience. It’s exhilarating to offer them a partnership unlike any they’ve had before in their past roles. For me, the most rewarding aspect has been delving deeper into Grace Penn’s character, revealing her as a multi-faceted individual.
Watching Grace Penn engage with her husband will introduce a fresh dimension to Allison Janney’s character, as The Diplomat differs significantly from The West Wing, and Grace and Todd are unlike C.J. Cregg and Josh Lyman. Contrary to Debora Cahn’s initial concerns, having Bradley Whitford in the cast wasn’t as problematic as she had initially thought.
In a casual and engaging style, Fans quickly noticed a shared trait between Bradley Whitford and Allison Janney, despite their distinct characters. Although the showrunner might have been cautious about teaming up these renowned actors from different series within the same genre, I am delighted that Debora Cahn decided to bring them back together on screen once more.
With great confidence, we believe Allison Janney and Bradley Whitford will convince “The West Wing” enthusiasts to look beyond their previous roles.
To stay current before Season 3 starts, you can catch up by streaming “The Diplomat” on Netflix. If you’d like to reminisce about the humor-filled days of C.J. and Josh, consider subscribing to HBO Max for access to “The West Wing.
Read More
- Clash Royale Best Boss Bandit Champion decks
- Best Hero Card Decks in Clash Royale
- Clash Royale Witch Evolution best decks guide
- Clash Royale December 2025: Events, Challenges, Tournaments, and Rewards
- Best Arena 9 Decks in Clast Royale
- Clash of Clans Meltdown Mayhem December 2025 Event: Overview, Rewards, and more
- Cookie Run: Kingdom Beast Raid ‘Key to the Heart’ Guide and Tips
- JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Ora Ora Overdrive unites iconic characters in a sim RPG, launching on mobile this fall
- Best Builds for Undertaker in Elden Ring Nightreign Forsaken Hollows
- Clash of Clans Clan Rush December 2025 Event: Overview, How to Play, Rewards, and more
2025-09-07 19:27