Rivals to ‘The Diplomat’: 11 must-watch TV shows to stream this November

If you're a fan of The Diplomat and love sharp storytelling, scandal, and compelling characters, this November brings a diverse slate of must-watch shows. From thrilling heists to superhero movie chaos, supernatural twists, and biting political drama, these series offer something for every taste.

Read on to discover 11 of the best TV shows hitting your screens this month.

1. Joan, ITV

Sophie Turner takes center stage as real-life 1980s jewel thief Joan Hannington in this vibrant adaptation of I Am What I Am, her memoir. As a single mom emerging from a toxic marriage, Hannington turns to crime, starting with her signature move: swallowing diamonds—painful but profitable. Filled with 1980s fashion and London’s criminal underworld, Joan uses disguises and clever schemes to outwit her targets. Written by Anna Symon (Mrs. Wilson, The Essex Serpent), the series had Hannington’s own cooperation in its creation.

2. The Franchise, Max

Created by Armando Iannucci (Veep) and directed by Sam Mendes (Skyfall), this satire dives into the behind-the-scenes chaos of superhero filmmaking. Daniel Brühl plays an artsy director begrudgingly helming Tecto, a superhero flick about a man who causes earthquakes. Meanwhile, Himesh Patel shines as the frustrated assistant director trying to keep the production afloat. Richard E. Grant rounds out the cast as a snooty actor in a cheesy costume. Iannucci jokes, "In the UK, you can't move without bumping into an actor… going quite mad."

3. La Máquina, Hulu

Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna reunite in this Spanish-language drama about a former boxing champ, Esteban Osuna (García Bernal), fighting for redemption. Luna plays his over-the-top manager, Andy Lujan, whose excessive cosmetic procedures make him almost unrecognizable. Hulu’s first Spanish-language series, La Máquina explores loyalty, ambition, and the dark ties of the criminal underworld. As García Bernal told Vanity Fair, "Spanish is our homeland."

4. Sweetpea, STARZ

Ella Purnell stars in this dark comedy as Rhiannon, a seemingly meek office worker turned serial killer. Bullied at school and overlooked in life, her rage explodes in a bloody spree. Based on CJ Skuse’s novels, the tagline sums it up perfectly: "The last person who called me Sweetpea ended up dead." This revenge-fueled series offers sharp humor with a menacing twist.

5. Disclaimer, Apple TV+

Directed by Alfonso Cuarón (Roma), this psychological thriller stars Cate Blanchett as Catherine Ravenscroft, a journalist facing a scandalous manuscript that mirrors her hidden past. Kevin Kline plays her neighbor, while Lesley Manville appears as his late wife, whose writing threatens to expose Catherine. With Sacha Baron Cohen as her husband and Kodi Smit-McPhee as their troubled son, this visually stunning series delves into truth, perception, and betrayal.

6. Shrinking

Harrison Ford delivers more wry humor in this returning dramedy, where he plays Paul, a therapist managing Parkinson’s while mentoring Jimmy (Jason Segel), whose unconventional approach to therapy creates chaos. Jessica Williams, Brett Goldstein, and Luke Tennie also return, as Paul navigates his illness and complicated relationships in this heartfelt yet hilarious series from the creators of Ted Lasso.

7. Rivals, Hulu & Disney+

Jilly Cooper’s steamy Rutshire Chronicles come to life in this adaptation of her 1988 novel Rivals. David Tennant plays Lord Tony Baddingham, a TV network boss clashing with rakish politician Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell). Featuring champagne-soaked soirées and retro glamour, the drama brims with scandal, ambition, and “so much sex… we have to have two intimacy coaches,” as Aidan Turner (Declan O'Hara) quipped.

8. The Office (Australia), Prime Video (excluding the US)

Felicity Ward leads the Australian remake of The Office as Hannah Howard, a cringe-worthy boss managing a packaging company. This version brings a fresh twist with a female lead and revamped characters, like a female Dwight and a hilariously awkward HR nightmare. Staying true to the mockumentary format, it’s full of laugh-out-loud moments and plenty of workplace drama.

9. Hysteria!, Peacock

Set in the 1980s, this Halloween satire follows a garage band, Deth Krunch, who exploit the era’s Satanic panic to build their heavy metal reputation. Julie Bowen and Anna Camp lead the cast, while Bruce Campbell’s presence hints at devilish shenanigans. With tongue-in-cheek humor, the show explores small-town paranoia, with scenes like a microwave explosion that may—or may not—be Satan’s doing.

10. Before, Apple TV+

Billy Crystal stars as Eli Adler, a grief-stricken therapist unraveling a supernatural mystery involving his late wife (Judith Light) and a troubled patient (Jacobi Jupe). Rosie Perez joins the cast in this psychological thriller with dark twists. Created by Sarah Thorp and co-written by Eric Roth (Forrest Gump), Before blends haunting drama with a chilling backstory.

11. The Diplomat, Netflix

Keri Russell returns as Kate Wyler, the US Ambassador to the UK, navigating political intrigue and a tumultuous marriage. Picking up after last season’s explosive finale, Kate grapples with revelations about the UK Prime Minister’s role in a military attack. Allison Janney guest stars as the US Vice President, while Rufus Sewell returns as Kate’s complicated husband, Hal. Smart, gripping, and packed with tension, The Diplomat remains a must-watch.