Taylor Sheridan’s Underrated 3-Part Action Series Gets “Epic” Return Update From Stars After 2-Year Wait

Taylor Sheridan’s underrated action series, Lioness, roars back with an “epic” return update from its stars after a two-year wait.

Created by Taylor Sheridan, who serves as showrunner and has written all 16 episodes so far, the spy thriller, also known as Special Ops: Lioness, premiered on Paramount+ in July 2023, followed by season 2 in October 2024. The series was eventually renewed for season 3 in August 2025, though the wait for new episodes is nearing two years.

Now, seven months since its renewal, Lioness season 3 has wrapped filming, which means it will likely premiere in late 2026. Actor James Jordan, who plays QRF team member Two Cups, shared a set photo on Instagram captioned, “Thank you @lionesspplus we did it. ❤️” Check out his post below:

Jill Wagner, who plays QRF team leader Bobby, shared a slew of set photos on Instagram and said that filming season 3 was “epic.” See her post below:

Her full post reads, “To try to capture the last 5 months in 20 pics is impossible ….. season 3 was EPIC . Every single moment was golden to me . I am fully aware that I am living in ‘the sweet spot’ and I’m allowing myself to drench myself in it . I love my Lioness cast as crew … I love TS for writing such an amazing show … I love the good people of Texas who treated me and my family with kindness …. I love my friends who cheer me on and who have watched me hustle and understand the highs and lows of this business , I love my family who tag along while I chase dreams ….. I love Jesus Christ who gives me the heart to keep running . There is a reason I do what I do …. I’m finding it day by day.“

What To Know About Lioness

The series follows Joe McNamara (played by Zoe Saldaña), the senior case officer in charge of a CIA team known as the Lioness program, which recruits female operatives to go undercover and fight the war on terror.

The Special Ops: Lioness cast also includes Laysla De Oliveira, Dave Annable, LaMonica Garrett, Austin Hébert, Jonah Wharton, Stephanie Nur, Hannah Love Lanier, Nicole Kidman, Morgan Freeman, Thad Luckinbill, Michael Kelly, and Genesis Rodriguez.

Lioness season 1 received mixed reviews, resulting in a 54% Rotten Tomatoes score, with critics praising Zoe Saldaña’s strong energy, though they found the Special Ops elements unoriginal and unconvincing. However, season 2 earned a much better 90% score. Its audience scores are 76% and 72%, respectively.

What To Expect From Lioness Season 3

By all accounts, Lioness season 3 seems to be the show’s biggest yet. In an earlier interview with ScreenRant, James Jordan promised that “the scale is even bigger,” followed by Jill Wagner saying that season 3 is “epic.” The cast has also expanded with the additions of Elizaveta Neretin and Ian Bohen.

In terms of its plot, season 2 laid the groundwork for what’s next in Lioness season 3. A new threat challenges Joe’s leadership and further strains her ties with the CIA, tension that should carry over into season 3, as each new mission pulls Joe away from her original vision of the Lioness program. If her second recruit’s situation falls apart, it could push her to leave the program entirely.