The spy thriller series 'Lioness', also known as 'Special Ops: Lioness', has been renewed for a second season, as reported by Deadline on Thursday. The show, created by Taylor Sheridan, will see the return of series regulars including Zoe Saldana, Nicole Kidman, and Laysla De Oliveira. Additionally, Morgan Freeman has been promoted to a series regular, joining Michael Kelly in the cast.
Jeff Grossman, Executive Vice President of Programming for Paramount+, expressed enthusiasm for the continuation, stating, '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.' Chris McCarthy, head of Paramount Global and President & CEO of Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios, highlighted the show's global success, noting that 'Lioness captivated audiences around the world as one of the most-watched global series premieres on Paramount+ last year.'
The series centres on a Marine recruited into the CIA's Lioness programme, tasked with befriending the daughter of a suspected terrorist. Sheridan, who also wrote the entire first season, serves as an executive producer. The first season debuted on Paramount+ in July 2023, consisting of eight episodes, and holds a 56% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Saldana discussed Sheridan's inspiration from the real female-led U.S. Army programme, saying, 'I do know that [Sheridan] has a great deal of admiration for the real work that gets done when we're all sleeping, so he takes it upon himself to highlight this world.' She also described her character, CIA officer Joe, as 'a straight shooter' with clear intentions.
