In a swift move that's sure to thrill fans of high-stakes espionage, Paramount+ has officially renewed 'Lioness' for a third season, bringing back star Zoe Saldana in her role as the tough CIA operative Joe. The announcement, dropping just days after the second season wrapped up its intense run, signals continued faith in Taylor Sheridan's gritty thriller series. Indeed, with Saldana locked in for multiple seasons—rumors suggest at least three—the show seems poised to dig even deeper into the shadowy world of female undercover agents battling terror networks.
The renewal comes at an opportune time, as production ramps up quickly. Filming is set to kick off this month in Fort Worth, Texas, a location that promises to add some raw, authentic edge to the narrative. Nicole Kidman, who plays the calculating Kaitlyn Meade, is also confirmed to return, alongside other key cast members like Laysla De Oliveira. However, the decision hasn't been without its whispers of delay; earlier in the year, uncertainty lingered after Season 2's premiere on October 27, 2024, drew solid but not explosive viewership numbers—around 3 million global streams in its first week, per industry estimates. Still, Paramount+ executives appear convinced that the blend of sharp writing and Saldana's magnetic presence will keep the momentum going.
What makes this renewal particularly noteworthy is how it fits into Sheridan's sprawling TV empire on the platform. 'Lioness,' inspired by real-life all-female Marine units, has carved out a niche with its unflinching look at the personal toll of covert ops. Saldana's Joe, balancing family life with deadly missions, embodies that tension all too well. Moreover, the series' global appeal—topping charts in over 20 countries last season—underscores why Paramount+ is doubling down. Yet, one can't help but note the pressure on Season 3 to elevate beyond the rushed finale of its predecessor, which left some plot threads dangling a bit too loosely.
As filming begins under Texas skies, the question remains: can 'Lioness' sustain its roar in an increasingly crowded streaming landscape?