Since its debut on July 23, 2023, Taylor Sheridan’s Lioness, also known as Special Ops: Lioness, has quietly established itself as one of the creator’s most underrated productions. Despite a modest initial critical response and an opening season Rotten Tomatoes score of 56%, the show secured a second season and gradually attracted more positive attention. This steady growth in appreciation highlights the series’ unique place within Sheridan’s body of work, standing apart from his typical television style.
Why Lioness Stands Apart From Taylor Sheridan’s Usual Work
Although Lioness has amassed two seasons and impressively high viewership numbers upon its Paramount+ release, it has not achieved the immediate mainstream success of Sheridan’s other shows. Unlike his popular projects—Yellowstone, Landman, and Tulsa King—that lean heavily into Western or neo-Western narratives centered around the Dutton family or similar themes, Lioness adopts a distinct espionage thriller approach. This genre departure may explain why viewers often overlook it when considering Sheridan’s oeuvre.
Its initial lukewarm reception, marked by critical hesitation around storyline and character development, indicates that audiences and reviewers took time to embrace its nuances. With season 2 receiving better reviews, it’s evident that Lioness has slowly gained recognition, but still lingers in relative obscurity compared to Sheridan’s more well-known series.
Notable Cast and Key Contributions in Lioness
While Zoe Saldaña leads the show as Joe McNamara, she is not the sole notable figure involved. The cast includes high-profile talents such as Nicole Kidman, who also serves as one of the producers, and Morgan Freeman, portraying U.S. Secretary of State Edwin Mullins across both seasons. Supporting roles feature Laysla De Oliviera, Dave Annable, Jill Wagner, and James Jordan, contributing to a robust ensemble. Additionally, Taylor Sheridan himself appears in a guest role during season 2 as a Delta Force operator, reflecting his hands-on involvement with the project.
Renewal for a Third Season Secures Lioness Future on Paramount+
Despite not capturing the same widespread attention as Sheridan’s other titles, Lioness performed well enough to earn a confirmed renewal for a third season on Paramount+. Season 2 concluded in December 2024, with the announcement of season 3 arriving approximately nine months later. This delay resulted from contractual renewals, notably Nicole Kidman’s agreement for the new season, while Zoe Saldaña was already secured for three seasons from the start.
Details regarding Lioness season 3’s release and storyline have yet to be revealed, but the official renewal signals continued confidence in the show’s production and potential growth.
Critical and Audience Reception Compared to Other Taylor Sheridan Series
Among Taylor Sheridan’s titles, 1923, 1883, Tulsa King, and Yellowstone hold the highest critic ratings on Rotten Tomatoes, while audience preferences place Mayor of Kingstown, 1883, Yellowstone, and Tulsa King at the top. Lioness contrasts with these by having a more moderate presence. Its first season divided critics, but the second season achieved a marked improvement, reflecting growing appreciation.
Interestingly, audience scores for Lioness have shown consistency, with a 76% rating for season 1 and 71% for season 2. Overall, many reviews suggest that while the show has significant strengths, it has not yet fully realized its potential compared to the more compelling narratives Sheridan is reputed for.
With its third season confirmed, Taylor Sheridan’s Lioness has the opportunity to leverage its acclaimed cast and high production values to establish a stronger identity within the creator’s portfolio and capture a wider audience.
