Unlike Taylor Sheridan’s more prominent shows like Yellowstone, Special Ops: Lioness didn’t make a big splash when it debuted on Paramount+ in 2023. It took a quieter approach, focusing on personal stories alongside the intense world of covert operations – something you don’t often see in spy thrillers. By the time Season 2 arrived in 2024, the show had become even more focused on its characters, exploring the difficult moral choices they faced and the emotional strain of leading double lives.
After Season 2 finished, everyone talked about whether the show would continue, but there was no official announcement. While it wasn’t cause for alarm, the lack of immediate news was a little worrying, especially since even popular shows can be canceled unexpectedly. Fans closely watched industry news, hoping for word from Taylor Sheridan or Paramount+. They still believed the show would return, but nothing was confirmed.
The show Special Ops: Lioness was officially renewed for a third season in August 2025, putting an end to months of uncertainty. While no trailer or release date was announced, work on the new season had already begun. Filming started in Texas by October, taking advantage of Taylor Sheridan’s established production resources. By January 2026, the crew was seen filming around Dallas, including at The Ritz-Carlton, indicating that Season 3 was well into production.
How ‘Special Ops: Lioness’ Season 3 Finally Became Official
Paramount+
I wasn’t totally surprised to hear Lioness was coming back for Season 3, but honestly, it was a huge relief! Zoe Saldaña signed on for three seasons to begin with, and the show did really well on Paramount+. But you never know with TV these days – things don’t always make sense, and the wait was starting to make me worry it wouldn’t happen.
What’s great about Season 3 is that it’s still very much the same creative team behind the magic. Sheridan is still at the helm, and both Saldana and Kidman are back not just as the stars, but also as executive producers. This isn’t a reboot or a shift in vision – it’s the people who made the first two seasons so strong continuing to build on that success, and that gives me a lot of confidence going in.
While there’s no confirmed release date yet, the show is currently expected to premiere in late 2026. This longer wait between seasons, compared to the quick turnaround after Season 2, indicates the creators are taking their time with the next installment of Lioness and aren’t feeling pressured to rush things.
The Cast Is Returning Because the Story Still Needs Them
Paramount+
A major strength of Lioness (formerly Special Ops: Lioness) is its strong cast, and Season 3 continues to build on that success. Zoe Saldaña returns as Joe McNamara, a leader who is as worn down by her job as she is capable. The show emphasizes Joe’s resilience and emotional depth, rather than portraying her as a typical action hero, and this continues to be a key part of the story.
Laysla De Oliveira reprises her role as Cruz Manuelos, and Genesis Rodriguez returns as Josephina Carrillo, letting their compelling relationship continue to develop. Jill Wagner as Bobby, LaMonica Garrett as Tucker, and Michael Kelly as Byron Westfield also remain important characters, driving the action and politics around Joe.
Season 3 brings back familiar faces. Nicole Kidman reprises her role as Kaitlyn Meade, now more clearly portrayed as a cool-headed planner dealing with turmoil. Morgan Freeman continues to provide a sense of established authority as Edwin Mullins, and Dave Annable and Hannah Love Lanier return as Joe’s family, highlighting the emotional toll of his frequent absences.
The show is adding Ian Bohen as Grady, a member of Delta Force who works with military dogs. His character suggests the series will focus more on strategic operations, but it won’t turn into a typical action show. “Lioness” has always prioritized its characters and their stories, and Grady’s addition seems to build on that, introducing new types of missions without overshadowing what viewers already enjoy.
Everything We Know About Season 3’s Plot
Paramouunt+
While Paramount+ hasn’t revealed details about the plot of Lioness Season 3, it seems intentional. The second season broadened the show’s global focus while still showing how events affected the characters personally. Season 3 will likely continue this trend, focusing on Joe’s internal conflict between her work and who she is, the developing relationship between Cruz and Josephina, and the ethically complex missions of the CIA team.
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The consequences of Season 2 are significant. The deal Kaitlyn and Byron made with a cartel – supporting a new leader in exchange for severing ties with enemies of the U.S. – highlighted a troubling truth: the show’s successes often prioritize American interests over true global security. The mission in the Middle East, where the team tried to stop Chinese scientists from reaching Iran, turned violent until Delta Force operator Cody Spears (played by Taylor Sheridan) intervened to resolve the situation.
With their latest assignments completed, the team from Lioness is still dealing with the repercussions of their work protecting national borders. The show understands that espionage doesn’t simply end when agents are safely extracted—the missions leave lasting marks and profoundly change those involved. Season 3 promises to explore these personal consequences and the lasting impact on the team.
Now that filming is happening with the original creative team still in charge, the third season of Lioness feels secure and full of potential. Viewers can look forward to exciting new assignments, complicated situations, and the central question that’s always driven the show: how far will people go to gain power?
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2026-02-06 20:05