In a swift move that underscores the streaming giant's faith in high-stakes thrillers, Paramount+ has officially renewed Lioness for a third season. The espionage drama, spearheaded by Taylor Sheridan and starring Zoe Saldana, will see its core cast return amid buzz about intensified production schedules. Announced just days ago on October 1, the renewal comes hot on the heels of season two's October 27, 2024 premiere, which drew solid viewership numbers despite some critiques of its pacing.
Saldana, who embodies the tough-as-nails CIA operative Joe, had already hinted at more to come back in November 2024, casually revealing her contract covers at least three seasons. Indeed, her commitment seems to have paid off, with Nicole Kidman also reprising her role as the program's overseer. But the real intrigue lies in the behind-the-scenes shifts: filming is set to kick off in Fort Worth, Texas, promising a grittier, location-driven feel that could address past complaints about overly studio-bound action.
However, not everything is seamless. Reports suggest a potential delay in the release, possibly pushing season three into late 2026 or beyond, given Sheridan's packed slate of projects. This isn't uncommon for Paramount+, where hits like Lioness—which pulled in over three million global views for its debut—face the crunch of competing priorities. Fans, meanwhile, are clamoring for the return of characters like Cruz, the Force Recon Marine turned Delta operator, whose arc left threads dangling in season two's rushed finale.
Moreover, the series' blend of real-world terror threats and personal drama has kept it relevant, even as Saldana juggles this with her blockbuster commitments. Yet, one can't help but question if the rapid renewal signals genuine momentum or just a formulaic extension of Sheridan's empire on the platform.
As Lioness charges forward into uncharted territory, it remains to be seen how the show will balance its explosive potential with the demands of serialized storytelling.