Lioness Season 3? The future of the Taylor Sheridan show, explored

On By Littum

Special Ops: Lioness season 2 is over after eight powerful episodes. The hit Paramount+ series follows CIA officer Joe, who is put in charge of the Lioness program, which hires female agents for undercover missions.

The second season raised the stakes for Joe and her team as the show explored themes such as global conflict, drug cartels and human trafficking. The season ended with an exciting finale that left audiences begging for more.

There is still much left to tell in the story, especially around Joe and Cruz’s personal life and relationship. But there will be one Special Ops: Lioness season 3? So far, the spy thriller series has not been renewed for a third season.

Renewal status for Special Ops: Lioness season 3

Paramount+ has yet to officially announce Special Ops: Lioness season 3. However, there is a strong possibility that the show will return with new episodes, given its popularity and viewership.

The second season’s debut episode received 3 million views within a week of its release, becoming one of the most-watched premieres on Paramount+. With this positive response, the streaming platform may renew the series in the coming weeks.

Series star Zoe Saldaña, who plays Joe, has also hinted that the show would continue for another season. In an interview with Vanity Fairthe actress revealed that she had signed up for at least three seasons of Special Ops: Lioness:

“I signed on for at least three seasons, and so you have a kind of contractual obligation to fulfill, but Lioness is not just that. Lioness has been a journey that has given me the opportunity to work with a different type of filmmaker (Taylor Sheridan ).

As for the release date, there was a gap of 13 months between the premieres of the first two seasons. If the same tradition is followed, Special Ops: Lioness season 3 is expected to be released in early 2026.

The potential history of Special Ops: Lioness season 3

If the show is greenlit for a third season, it will likely pick up after the events of the Season 2 finale. At the end of the previous part, Joe and her team had a narrow escape in Turkey while on a dangerous mission to attack Chinese nuclear scientists.

Season 3 would have some more challenges for the lionesses and the rest of the CIA team as the global conflict intensifies. China is adamant about invading Taiwan, and with the attack on its nuclear scientists, the nation’s relationship with the United States would be further strained.

Meanwhile, Joe’s personal life may be under the spotlight in future episodes. Her marriage is already struggling and it could lead to divorce. She may have to decide if her work with the Lioness program is worth losing her family.

There is also a possibility that Cruz, who has trained under Joe, could take over the Lioness program so Joe can spend more time with his family. But knowing Joe, she can still stay involved in the action. Cruz and Josephina’s feelings for each other could also be explored in depth going forward.

The star cast of Special Ops: Lioness season 3

Since Zoe Saldaña has already agreed to be a part of the potential season 3, she will definitely reprise her role as Joe. Laysla De Oliveira is likely to return as Cruz along with Genesis Rodriguez as Josephina.

It will also be interesting to see the return of renowned actors such as Morgan Freeman, Nicole Kidman and Michael Kelly. If the main cast agrees to be a part of Special Ops: Lioness season 3, the ensemble would look like below:

  • Zoe Saldaña as Joe
  • Laysla De Oliveira as Cruz Manuelos
  • Genesis Rodriguez as Josephina Carrillo
  • Morgan Freeman as Edwin Mullins
  • Nicole Kidman as Kaitlyn Meade
  • Michael Kelly as Byron Westfield
  • Dave Annable as Neal McNamara
  • Hannah Love Lanier as Kate McNamara
  • Thad Luckinbill as Kyle McManus
  • Jill Wagner as Bobby

Special Ops: Lioness seasons 1 and 2 are streaming on Paramount+.