Special Ops: Lioness Season 3 Finally Gets Some Exciting News

With multiple shows already on his plate, Taylor Sheridan’s roster is staying alive and well as Lioness has been renewed for season 3. The action series focuses on Zoe Saldaña’s Joe McNaMara, a senior case officer in the CIA who works for the titular undercover government program alongside her boss, Nicole Kidman’s Kaitlyn Meade, and the U.S. Secretary of State, Morgan Freeman’s Edwin Mullins.

Though having garnered mixed reviews, season 1 did, at the time, set a new record as Paramount+’s most-watched worldwide series premiere, with Lioness season 2 being greenlit nearly a year later. The season saw Joe, Kaitlyn and Michael Kelly’s Byron Westfield investigating a surprise new threat, while also testing Joe’s commitment to the program.

Lioness season 2 saw an immense turnaround in reception, garnering a fresh 90% approval rating from critics. Across its eight-episode run, the season also enjoyed continued viewership success for the streamer, consistently staying in the Top 10 and even seeing an increase compared to season 1’s numbers.

As first reported by Deadline, Paramount+ is moving ahead with Lioness season 3 some nine months after season 2 ended. Sources report that part of the reason for the wait in renewing the show was down to Nicole Kidman needing to make a new deal, while Zoe Saldaña was already attached for a three-season deal. In addition to Lioness‘ future, the studio has also given Sheridan’s new Yellowstone spinoff, The Madison, an early season 2 renewal.

What The Season 3 Renewal Means For Lioness

With season 2 seeing greater success compared to season 1, fans have certainly been anxiously awaiting an official update on Lioness season 3’s status. Saldaña had confirmed in previous interviews that she had signed on for a three-season contract, as well as expressing her interest in a spinoff exploring Kaitlyn, Joe and Byron’s early days together.

While the report notes Kidman’s contract being a factor in the renewal delay, it’s likely not the only thing that contributed to the wait for Lioness season 3. Sheridan has been very busy in the year since season 2 premiered, not only launching a new series in Landman, but also expanding his Yellowstone universe with the upcoming Madison spinoff.

Additionally, Paramount just finalized its merger with Skydance, which has led to a number of internal changes and cancellations. However, with the studio doubling down on its relationship with Sheridan by developing the biggest film and TV production studio in Texas, the Lioness renewal seemed like an eventuality.

Our Take On The Lioness Season 3 Renewal

Lioness‘ season 3 greenlight is certainly great news, though it is going to come with some caveats. Sheridan’s increasingly busy schedule means he’ll likely not be able to direct as many of the season’s episodes, and with prior seasons taking at least four months to shoot, it also seems likely the show won’t be back on the air until late 2026, a full two years after season 2.