Paramount+ has officially renewed Taylor Sheridan’s espionage drama, Lioness, for a third season, nearly a year after Season 2 premiered in October 2024. The announcement confirms the return of stars Zoe Saldaña and Nicole Kidman, along with the rest of the acclaimed ensemble cast, continuing Sheridan’s expanding television portfolio. This renewal follows months of speculation about the future of the series, firmly establishing Lioness as a key part of Sheridan’s work on the streaming platform.
Story Developments and Season 2 Highlights
The second season of Lioness intensified the conflict with a focus on the CIA’s fight against terrorism moving closer to domestic soil. The narrative followed Joe (Saldaña), Kaitlyn (Kidman), and Byron (Michael Kelly) as they enlisted a new Lioness operative to address a previously unknown threat. With growing pressure from multiple fronts, Joe faced significant personal sacrifices as she led the Lioness program, raising the stakes for the characters involved.
Taylor Sheridan’s Expanding Paramount+ Slate
Alongside Lioness, Taylor Sheridan continues to broaden his influence at Paramount+ with several ongoing and upcoming series. Mayor of Kingstown is set to release its fourth season in October, while Landman’s second season is scheduled for November. Tulsa King’s third season is already airing, and the Yellowstone universe is growing with the addition of The Madison and the much-anticipated prequel 1944. Together, these projects demonstrate Sheridan’s strong creative presence and sustained output on the platform.
Critical Reception and Performance Praise
While Lioness gained acclaim for its lead performances, especially those of Zoe Saldaña and Nicole Kidman, some critics and viewers noted pacing issues in the show’s narrative. The series often included extended government meetings and slower subplot developments, which, although adding a layer of realism, occasionally diminished the urgency typical of military thrillers. This deliberate pacing led to some frustration when compared to faster-paced shows like Prime Video’s The Terminal List.
Nicole Kidman’s portrayal of Kaitlyn received consistent praise. In a review for Collider, Michael John Petty commented on her performance:
“Then there’s Nicole Kidman, who is phenomenal as always here, and as far as the issues with Season 2 are concerned, her performance is not one. The way her character can mentor Joe without ever belittling her is just flawless, and her scenes with Saldaña are always a highlight. But Kaitlyn is more involved in Joe’s operation this time around, or, at least, the show tells us she’s more involved. What that actually means is still a bit confusing, since she only ever steps foot on Lioness base camp once in the first four episodes. More than that, when Joe asks if Kaitlyn is going to be overseeing her ‘on the ground,’ her superior responds with an ominous ‘everyone’s watching on this one,’ but then spends most of the season still engaging in closed-door or D.C. restaurant meetings. Maybe Kaitlyn’s position in the agency gives her a pass when it comes to her role on the series, but given that Kidman is an EP on this show, it’s almost a shame she isn’t given more interesting material to work with.”
Michael John Petty, Collider
Narrative Complexity and Character Dynamics
Kidman’s character, Kaitlyn, plays a significant mentoring role to Joe throughout Season 2, providing support without overshadowing the younger operative. However, the actual handling of Kaitlyn’s involvement in field operations remained somewhat ambiguous, as scenes mostly showed her in meetings or remote discussions rather than direct action. This less hands-on portrayal of Kaitlyn contrasted with her elevated influence in the story’s hierarchy, drawing attention to narrative choices that prioritized character interplay over action sequences.
Looking Ahead to Season 3 and Beyond
With the Lioness renewal confirmed, fans can expect another chapter of high-stakes espionage and character-driven drama rooted in the show’s exploration of loyalty, sacrifice, and covert operations. As Taylor Sheridan’s television universe continues to expand on Paramount+, Lioness Season 3 is set to deepen the storytelling and maintain its place amid Sheridan’s thriving catalog. Viewers should anticipate further character development for Joe, Kaitlyn, and the wider ensemble as the series explores new threats and internal challenges.
Lioness is currently streaming on Paramount+, and audiences can look forward to the upcoming seasons of Sheridan’s other projects, such as Mayor of Kingstown, Landman, and Tulsa King, which continue to showcase the producer’s influence on modern television drama.
