Not to be confused with the British TV drama of the same name, Netflix’s prestige political thriller The Diplomat took audiences and critics by storm on launch back in the spring of 2023. Eager to capitalise on their success, season two landed this October and it’s arguably even better than the first. Indeed, series two is certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes with an impressive 95% rating and was given the full five stars by Jack Seale of the Guardian, saying, “The Diplomat should slot effortlessly into any list of the best dramas of the year.” In this blog we dive deeper into the series and its stunning soundtrack.
What Is the Premise of the Diplomat?
Created by Deborah Cahn, who was previously executive producer on Homeland, The Diplomat follows the story of Kate Wyler (Keri Russell), a high-ranking civil servant who is reluctantly made the United States ambassador to the United Kingdom in the midst of rising international tensions between Iran, America and Russia. What follows is a tangle of intrigue and conspiracy theories, all amid Wyler’s deteriorating marriage to former-ambassador Hal (Rufus Sewell).
When Was the Diplomat Released?
Season 1 of The Diplomat launched on Netflix on April 20th 2023, while Season 2 arrived on October 31st 2024.
Who Stars in the Diplomat?
Joining Russell and Sewell are: David Gyasi as UK Foreign Secretary Austin Dennison, Ali Ahn (Billions, Orange is the New Black) as CIA Station Chief Eidra Park, Rory Kinnear (Quantum of Solace, Men) as UK Prime Minister Nicol Trowbridge and Ato Essandoh as Stuart Heyford, Deputy Chief of Mission of the US embassy in London.
In addition, there are recurring roles from veritable acting royalty, including Michael McKean (This is Spinal Tap, Better Call Saul) as President of the United States William Rayburn, Celia Imrie (Bridget Jones) as former Campaign Manager of the Conservative Party Margaret Roylin and Allison Janney (The West Wing, I, Tonya) in Season 2, as Grace Penn, Vice President of the United States.
Who Does the Music for the Diplomat?
Music plays a key role in The Diplomat, aiding scene-setting in the corridors of power and helping build tension. For Season 1, the score was written by prolific soundtrack composers Nathan Barr (True Blood, Sneaky Pete, The Great) and Dimitri Smith (Halston, The Great, Salem’s Lot). For The Diplomat soundtrack season 2, soundtrack duties were handled by Brazilian pianist and composer Marcelo Zarvos (Fences, The Equalizer 3, The Good Shepherd).
But who sings the theme to The Diplomat TV series? Well, unlike its BBC namesake, The Diplomat’s theme song is actually an instrumental track. Entitled ‘They Want You’ the piece features stately staccato strings and a sonorous violin theme and builds to a dramatic climax. As with the rest of the score, the classical arrangements add a sense of formality that reflect the world in which Wyler operates.
Overseen by music supervisor Michael Hill (Ladybird, Dr. Death), the soundtrack also features a host of other musicians, ranging from John Coltrane to Pink Floyd. The full credits for The Diplomat soundtrack season 1 is as follows:
- They Want You - Nathan Barr, Dimitri Smith
- Central Park West - John Coltrane
- Mariella - Khruangbin, Leon Bridges
- Pennywise (Reprise) - A Balladeer
- Quintetto No. 5 in E Major - Luigi Boccherini, Enrico Casazza, La Magnifica Comunita
- These Shadows - Wooden Shjips
- To Lord Hanuman (Edit) - Hedi Carlee
- Just The Two Of Us - The Dufry Sessions
- The Great Gig In The Sky - Pink Floyd
- Variations of Light - Cinematic Adventure
- Last Post - Traditional
- Kate Takes A Walk - Nathan Barr, Dimitri Smith
- Confirming Hal's Story - Nathan Barr, Dimitri Smith
- The Embassy - Nathan Barr, Dimitri Smith
- Eating The World - Nathan Barr, Dimitri Smith
- Hellfire- Nathan Barr, Dimitri Smith
- Backstairs - Nathan Barr, Dimitri Smith
- You Are Delicious - Nathan Barr, Dimitri Smith
- Hal Adbducted - Nathan Barr, Dimitri Smith
- Kate and Hal - Nathan Barr, Dimitri Smith
- A Word With Billie - Nathan Barr, Dimitri Smith
- It's Tea - Nathan Barr, Dimitri Smith
- You Can't Be Here - Nathan Barr, Dimitri Smith
- This Is Your Wing - Nathan Barr, Dimitri Smith
- RAF Brize Norton - Nathan Barr, Dimitri Smith
- This Is A Lot - Nathan Barr, Dimitri Smith
- Winfield House - Nathan Barr, Dimitri Smith
You can listen to The Diplomat soundtrack playlist on Spotify:
The soundtrack for the second series is as follows:
- Kate's Waltz
- Arrival In London
- How It Works
- Breathe
- Call for the Ambassador
- Helpless Hal
- I Hate a Liar
- Nuclear Czar
- Bedside Vigil
- Surprise Visitor
- Roylin Comes Clean
- Safe House
- Helicopted Arrival
- Embassy Party
- You Can't Arrest Her
- Grace Penn VP
- Trip to Scotland
- Wanna Walk?
- The Sting?
- Ronnie
The Best Music for TV
Looking for music to license for drama content? We have a huge array of hand-picked playlists, from music for action to dramedy, tension to trailers. Discover all our latest albums and collections for even more choice.
Read more soundtrack reviews, from Barbie to Wednesday, M3GAN to Mood, Sex Education to Suicide Squad and Stranger Things to Happy Valley. We’ve also got a host of how-to guides, including How To License a Song for Video, How To Make Your Movie and TV Content Stand Out and The Difference Between Film Scores and Soundtracks. Or find soundtrack inspiration yourself in our round-up of the Best Action Movie Soundtracks.
Need Music for Your Project?
At Audio Network we create original music, of the highest quality, for broadcasters, brands, creators, agencies and music fans everywhere. Through clear and simple licensing, we can offer you a huge variety of the best quality music across every conceivable mood and genre. Find out how we can connect you with the perfect collaborator today by clicking the button below!
