Summary

• Paramount+ renews espionage thriller Lioness for season 2, despite mixed critical reviews.
• Lioness achieved high viewer ratings, with ratings of 56% critic score and 80% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
• The success of Lioness showcases Sheridan's skill in creating captivating narratives that resonate with global audiences.

Paramount+ has announced the renewal of its espionage thriller, originally titled Special Ops: Lioness, for a second season, along with a new, streamlined title: Lioness. The series, created by Yellowstone's Taylor Sheridan, quickly became a standout show on the streaming service.

After concluding its first season in September, Lioness garnered a mixed reception from critics but received overwhelmingly positive reviews from viewers, achieving a critic score of 56% and an audience score of 80% on Rotten Tomatoes. Jeff Grossman, Executive Vice President of Programming at Paramount+, expressed his enthusiasm for the series' performance and its impact (via TVLine).

“Our Paramount+ audience resoundingly has joined forces in support of Lioness’ gripping, global story and the powerhouse performances from Zoë Saldaña, Laysla De Oliveira and Nicole Kidman. 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.”

Lioness made a significant milestone upon its debut last July, becoming the most-watched series premiere worldwide on Paramount+. In just its first week, the show pulled in nearly six million total viewers across Paramount+ globally and the Paramount Network, signaling strong international appeal and setting high expectations for its forthcoming season.

Lioness Combines a Potent Mix of Espionage Action with Deep Character Dives

Lioness is a spy drama that follows Zoe Saldaña's character, Joe McNamara. The series offers a compelling look into the life of a CIA station chief who navigates through the dangers of international espionage while attempting to maintain a semblance of personal normalcy. As the titular head of the CIA's Lioness program, Joe's mission extends beyond the office as she recruits Sergeant Cruz Manuelos, portrayed by Laysla De Oliveira, in a high-stakes game to infiltrate the circle of a terrorist financier's daughter.

Lioness Season 1's intricate storytelling and detailed character development set the stage for the exploration of themes surrounding duty, sacrifice, and secrecy. Adding depth to the ensemble cast, Nicole Kidman stars as Kaitlyn Meade, Joe’s authoritative yet enigmatic boss, and Morgan Freeman brings his commanding presence to the role of Edwin Mullins, the U.S. Secretary of State.

Taylor Sheridan continues to expand his portfolio of television series. Alongside Lioness, Sheridan's Mayor of Kingstown, featuring Jeremy Renner, is gearing up for a third season starting June 2. Furthermore, Tulsa King starring Sylvester Stallone, has also secured a renewal, showing Sheridan's prolific output.

Sheridan is also finalizing the last chapters of Yellowstone Season 5, which has recently seen challenges, including the departure of Kevin Costner amid creative differences. Despite these hurdles, Costner has hinted at a possible return. In addition, Sheridan is preparing for the second season of 1923, a Yellowstone spinoff starring Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren, promising more gripping narratives from this expansive universe.

As Lioness prepares for its second season, it remains a testament to Sheridan's unique ability to craft compelling, multi-dimensional worlds that resonate with audiences worldwide.