“Lioness,” also marketed as “Special Ops: Lioness,” is an American spy thriller television series created by Taylor Sheridan that premiered on July 23, 2023, on Paramount+. The second season premiered on October 27, 2024, and the series was renewed for a third season in August 2025. Starring Zoe Saldaña, Nicole Kidman, Morgan Freeman, and Michael Kelly, this high-octane espionage drama is based on a real-life US military program where female operatives infiltrate terrorist organizations.
Created by “Yellowstone” mastermind Taylor Sheridan, the series became Paramount+’s most-watched worldwide series premiere on launch day at the time, drawing nearly six million total viewers in its first week. What distinguishes this series from typical spy thrillers is its unflinching examination of the brutal physical and psychological toll covert operations take on female operatives, while exploring how these warriors balance deadly missions with motherhood, marriage, and moral compromise. With cinematic production values, intense action sequences filmed across multiple countries, and powerhouse performances from its ensemble cast, “Lioness” delivers edge-of-your-seat tension while posing difficult questions about sacrifice, loyalty, and the price of protecting national security.
Special Ops: Lioness: Release Date, Story, Plot, Episodes, Cast, Actors Salary, Actors Net Worth, Budget, OTT Response, Trailer, Songs, Awards, Review, Ratings & More
| Info | Special Ops: Lioness |
|---|---|
| Genre | Action drama Spy thriller |
| Language | English |
| Star Cast | Zoe Saldaña Laysla De Oliveira Dave Annable Jill Wagner LaMonica Garrett James Jordan Austin Hébert Jonah Wharton Stephanie Nur Hannah Love Lanier Nicole Kidman Morgan Freeman Thad Luckinbill Michael Kelly Genesis Rodriguez |
| Produced by | Jill Wagner David C. Glasser David Hutkin Bob Yari Zoe Saldaña Nicole Kidman Geyer Kosinski |
| Production companies | Bosque Ranch Productions Cinestar Blossom Films 101 Studios MTV Entertainment Studios Paramount Television Studios |
| Written by | Taylor Sheridan Thomas Brady |
| Country | United States |
| Original network | Paramount+ |
| Original release | 23 July 2023 – present |
| Running time | 38–57 minutes |
Table of Contents
Special Ops: Lioness Storyline
CIA senior case officer Joe McNamara leads the Lioness program, which enlists female operatives to go undercover in the war on terror. The program, overseen by CIA station chief Kaitlyn Meade and NSA director Byron Westfield, recruits Marine Raider Cruz Manuelos to work covertly with Joe, infiltrating terrorist networks as part of efforts to prevent another September 11. In season one, Cruz must befriend Aaliyah, daughter of a billionaire with terrorist connections, earning her trust to access her father’s organization. As Cruz gets dangerously close to her target while Joe coordinates from command, both women navigate impossible moral dilemmas, devastating personal costs, and the realization that every mission demands sacrifices that permanently change who they are.
Special Ops: Lioness Cast, Crew, Role, Salary, Remuneration & Net Worth
Here are the complete details of actors and actresses names in the Web Series.
1.Zoe Saldaña as Joe McNamara
| Info | Joe McNamara |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Zoe Saldaña |
| Salary Per Web Series | Not Known |
| Net Worth | $60 million |
2.Laysla De Oliveira as Cruz Manuelos
| Info | Cruz Manuelos |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Laysla De Oliveira |
| Salary Per Web Series | $5 million |
| Net Worth | $1million -$5 million |
3.Dave Annable as Dr. Neal McNamara
| Info | Dr. Neal McNamara |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Dave Annable |
| Salary Per Web Series | Not Known |
| Net Worth | $3 million |
4.Jill Wagner as Bobby
| Info | Bobby |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Jill Wagner |
| Salary Per Web Series | Not Known |
| Net Worth | $3 million |
5.LaMonica Garrett as Tucker
| Info | Tucker |
|---|---|
| Real Name | LaMonica Garrett |
| Salary Per Web Series | Not Known |
| Net Worth | $2 million – $5 million |
6.James Jordan as Two Cups
| Info | Two Cups |
|---|---|
| Real Name | James Jordan |
| Salary Per Web Series | $100,000+ |
| Net Worth | $6 million |
7.Stephanie Nur as Aaliyah Amrohi
| Info | Aaliyah Amrohi |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Stephanie Nur |
| Salary Per Web Series | $700,000 |
| Net Worth | $2million – $3 million |
8.Hannah Love Lanier as Kate McNamara
| Info | Kate McNamara |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Hannah Love Lanier |
| Salary Per Web Series | Not Known |
| Net Worth | Not Known |
9.Nicole Kidman as Kaitlyn Meade
| Info | Kaitlyn Meade |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Nicole Kidman |
| Salary Per Web Series | $1 million |
| Net Worth | $350 million |
10.Morgan Freeman as Edwin Mullins
| Info | Edwin Mullins |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Morgan Freeman |
| Salary Per Web Series | $10 million |
| Net Worth | $250 million |
Special Ops: Lioness Web Series Awards
| Awards | Category | Recipients |
|---|---|---|
| NA | NA | NA |
Special Ops: Lioness Review
“Special Ops: Lioness” delivers intense, adrenaline-fueled espionage entertainment anchored by Zoe Saldaña’s powerhouse performance as the conflicted Joe. Nicole Kidman excels as the ruthlessly pragmatic Kaitlyn, while Laysla De Oliveira brings vulnerability to Cruz’s harrowing journey. The action sequences are spectacularly choreographed with Taylor Sheridan’s signature visceral style, and the show doesn’t shy from depicting the brutal realities female operatives face. However, critics note the series sometimes prioritizes explosive set pieces over character depth, with plotting that occasionally strains credibility. The examination of work-life balance feels genuine, watching Joe struggle between being a mother and coordinating lethal missions adds emotional weight. While it received mixed reviews initially, season two’s improved ratings suggest the show found its footing. Perfect for fans craving high-stakes action with strong female leads, though those seeking nuanced geopolitical commentary may find it frustratingly surface-level.
Disclaimer: The Data is collected from various sources and some from our own research. These data can be estimated and Primes World does not make any claims about the authenticity of the data.