Taylor Sheridan Drama ‘Lioness’ Renewed at Paramount+

The Lioness will roar again for Paramount+.

The Paramount Global-backed streamer has handed out a second-season renewal for the Taylor Sheridan drama starring Zoe Saldaña and Nicole Kidman. Additionally, Morgan Freeman — who appeared in two episodes of the rookie season — has been promoted to series regular for the sophomore run.

“Our Paramount+ audience resoundingly has joined forces in support of Lioness’ gripping, global story and the powerhouse performances from Zoe Saldaña, Laysla De Oliveira and Nicole Kidman,” said Jeff Grossman, executive vp programming at Paramount+. “We cannot wait to see more of the heart-stopping suspense and action that Taylor Sheridan and the incredibly talented team deliver in its second season.”

Formerly titled Special Ops: Lioness, season one of the series set a record as the most-watched worldwide series premiere on launch day on Paramount+ with nearly 6 million total viewers in its first week when factoring in global and linear viewership after a sampling on Paramount Network.

The series is inspired by an actual U.S. military program and revolves around the life of Joe (Saldaña) as she attempts to balance her personal and professional life working for the CIA and the war on terror.

“Lioness captivated audiences around the world as one of the most-watched global series premieres on Paramount+ last year,” said Chris McCarthy, Office of the CEO, Paramount Global and president and CEO of Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios. “Driven by Taylor Sheridan’s masterful storytelling and Nicole Kidman and Zoe Saldaña’s remarkable performances, season two promises to immerse audiences in yet another riveting, adrenaline-fueled journey.”

The cast includes Michael Kelly, Dave Annable, Jill Wagner, LaMonica Garrett, James Jordan, Austin Hébert, Jonah Wharton and Hannah Love Lanier. Sheridan exec produces alongside David C. Glasser, Saldaña, Kidman, Ron Burkle, Bob Yari, David Hutkin, Jill Wagner, David Lemanowicz, Geyer Kosinski, Michael Friedman and Paramount’s Keith Cox.

Lioness is part of a Paramount slate of Sheridan scripted originals that also includes Yellowstone, Tulsa King, Mayor of Kingstown and Landman, all of which are in production; as well as 1923, 1883 and Lawmen: Bass Reeves. Sheridan remains based at Paramount under a nine-figure overall deal.