Paramount+’s ‘Lioness’ Is One of Its Best Action Shows—Here’s Why
For years, the spy thriller genre has been dominated by male-led franchises, from Tom Clancy’s CIA analyst Jack Ryan to the roving vigilante justice of Lee Child’s Reacher. But Paramount+’s Lioness—now simply Lioness after dropping the “Special Ops” prefix for its second season—has carved out a distinct space, blending the psychological tension of Sicario with the high-stakes espionage of classic spy stories. Created by Taylor Sheridan, the show’s unique approach centers on a team of female CIA operatives who infiltrate terrorist networks by building emotional trust with their targets’ female associates. The result is a gripping, character-driven thriller that has quietly become one of Paramount+’s most compelling action series.
Sheridan, best known for reviving the Western genre with Yellowstone and its prequels, has always had a knack for marrying intense action with deep emotional stakes. Lioness is no exception. The show’s premise—inspired by a real U.S. Military program—follows Zoe Saldaña as Joe McNamara, a CIA officer leading a team of operatives who use their empathy and personal connections to dismantle terrorist plots. In Season 2, which premiered in October 2024, the series deepened its focus on the complex relationships between operatives and their marks, a dynamic that critics have praised as both innovative and deeply engaging.
While Season 1 received mixed reviews, Season 2 marked a significant turnaround, with many critics calling it one of the best TV shows of 2024. The shift in tone and pacing, along with a stronger narrative arc, helped Lioness stand out in a crowded field of spy thrillers. The show’s star-studded cast—including Nicole Kidman, Morgan Freeman, and Bruce McGill—adds gravitas, but it’s the performances of Saldaña and Laysla De Oliveira as Cruz Manuelos that anchor the series. Their portrayal of operatives navigating the blurred lines between personal and professional relationships is both compelling and realistic.
The ‘Sicario’ and ‘Jack Ryan’ Fusion
Lioness draws heavily from Sheridan’s breakout film Sicario, a 2015 thriller about the Mexican drug trade and the moral ambiguities of law enforcement. Like Sicario, Lioness explores the psychological toll of espionage, but it does so through the lens of female operatives whose methods are as much about emotional manipulation as they are about action. This approach sets it apart from traditional spy shows, which often rely on brute force or high-tech gadgetry.
At the same time, Lioness shares DNA with Amazon Prime Video’s Jack Ryan franchise, which has become one of streaming’s most successful spy thrillers. Both series explore the high-stakes world of counterterrorism, but Lioness distinguishes itself by focusing on the human cost of these operations. The show’s blend of Sicario-style tension and Jack Ryan-esque espionage has resonated with audiences, making it a standout in a genre often dominated by male protagonists.
A Franchise in the Making?
The success of Lioness has been further cemented by its renewal for a third season, announced in August 2025. This comes after a nearly year-long delay due to contract negotiations with its star-studded cast. The renewal is a testament to the show’s growing popularity and potential as a franchise. While it hasn’t yet spawned spinoffs like Prime Video’s Jack Ryan (which includes the 2021 spinoff Without Remorse and the upcoming 2026 film Jack Ryan: Ghost War) or Reacher’s Neagley, the groundwork for expansion is clearly there.
Sheridan’s ability to balance action, drama, and character development has made Lioness a rare gem in the spy genre. With Season 3 on the horizon, the show is poised to continue pushing boundaries, offering a fresh perspective on espionage that feels both timely and timeless.
What’s Next for ‘Lioness’?
As of now, the focus remains on delivering a strong third season, with no immediate plans for spinoffs. However, given the show’s critical acclaim and the success of Sheridan’s other franchises, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Lioness expand in the future. Fans can expect to see Zoe Saldaña and Nicole Kidman return, along with the rest of the ensemble cast, as the series continues to explore the complexities of modern counterterrorism.
For now, Lioness stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in the spy genre. It’s a show that doesn’t just deliver action—it delivers depth, emotion, and a fresh take on a genre that often feels stale. As it moves forward, Lioness has the potential to become one of Paramount+’s most enduring franchises.
What do you think of Lioness’s approach to the spy genre? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with fellow fans of action and espionage thrillers.
