20/50
The only location that was off-limits was Winfield House, the real residence of the American ambassador
Scenario
In the midst of an international crisis, Kate Wyler, a career diplomat, lands in a prestigious position she is not prepared for, with tectonic consequences for her marriage and political future. Check out our list of renewals and cancellations to see if your favorite show has been picked up. The producers convinced both the American and British governments to allow them to use real locations as filming locations for the series, including the still-new American embassy (at Nine Elms), which opened in 2018. The UK allowed filming at the Foreign Secretary’s office, a rare distinction for any film or screen production, especially an American one.
Featured at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards (2024)
Although it is accurately described as occupying the largest residential plot (11 acres) in London outside of Buckingham Palace, the producers used a country house outside the city for filming purposes. There was a moment, I think it was about halfway through Season 1, where one of the subplots went in a slightly different direction than I expected, and that was good. Plus, the dysfunctional relationships – both personal and professional – between the main characters somehow work, and I like that. The writers did a good job of keeping the action tightly focused.
The casting was well done
Both the characters and the plot work. Sure, it’s not very believable, but it’s funny and at times tense. “Madam Secretary” is not; nor is “Veep.” And that’s a very good thing. I should also mention that the acting and dialogue are also quite good.
Are they believable?
Again, no. But that’s okay. I realized very quickly that this is fantasy, not reality. Netflix did a good job with this.
Please don’t screw this up
I’m really looking forward to Season 2.