Like Tulsa King, Lioness is one of the few television programs Taylor Sheridan has created that isn't part of his expansive Yellowstone universe of shows. However, that is not to say that the show could not kick off its own universe. The title seems to suggest the possibility of other stories being told under the Special Ops umbrella. When the show returned for its second season, it not only continued the trend of high-stakes action, but added new wrinkles to the universe that makes Lioness one of Sheridan's best creations.
Lioness Season 2 Critical Reception
A Well-Recieved Second Season
Though the series will never be declared high art, the critical reception to Lioness season 2 actually saw a marked improvement over its predecessor. Collider praised the sophomore season's attempts to tell a meatier story, though they admitted that the show doesn't always hit its marks. Decider gave the series an emphatic "Stream It" grade, and did offer the show some kudos for its use of its stellar cast. The consensus for Lioness seems to be that the ideas are big, but the execution sometimes leaves a lot to be desired.
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Lioness season 2 concluded on December 8, 2024.
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Lioness Season 2 Cast Details
The Main Cast Returned For Season 2
Once again leading the charge as disillusioned special operatives, Zoe Saldaña will be back as Joe while Laysla De Oliveira will return as Cruz.
Once again leading the charge as disillusioned special operatives, Zoe Saldaña was back as Joe while Laysla De Oliveira returned as Cruz. The other big names of the first season also reprised their roles, with Nicole Kidman back in her role as jaded liaison Kaitlyn Meade. The legendary actor Morgan Freeman played Secretary of State Edwin Mullins in season 1, and he was upgraded to a main role in season 2. One newcomer for season 2 was Genesis Rodriguez, who was tapped to play the role of Josephine "Josie" Carillo, a helicopter pilot.
The cast of Lioness season 2 includes:
Zoe Saldaña | Joe |  |
Laysla De Oliveira | Cruz |  |
Michael Kelly | Byron |  |
Genesis Rodriguez | Josephine "Josie" Carillo |  |
Nicole Kidman | Kaitlyn Meade |  |
Morgan Freeman | Edwin Mullins |  |
Thad Luckinbill | Kyle McManus |  |
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Lioness Season 2 Trailers
Watch The Full Trailers Below
Befitting the return of the Taylor Sheridan action hit, Paramount+ dropped a full-length trailer for Lioness season 2 that is chock-full of explosive scenes. Besides the pulse-pounding action sequences, the trailer also focuses in on Joe as she tries to reconcile her job with her faltering family life. Also, Kaitlyn is put in the line of fire when someone breaks into her home, resulting in someone dying on her floor. Meanwhile, Lioness' newest recruit is forced to her limits as she tries to accept her new mission.
Highlighting more of the mission that will comprise the bulk of Lioness season 2, Paramount+ revealed a second trailer for the returning series in October 2024. The teaser opens with the kidnapping of a U.S. Congresswoman on U.S. soil, which spurs the upper echelon of government into action. Secretary of State Mullins calls upon Lioness for assistance, but Joe is hesitant to turn her team into an intelligence unit. Meanwhile, the teaser ends with a small hint at Joe's next Lioness operative.
Lioness Season 2 Ending & Spoilers
A New Recruit & Another Terrorist Plot
The ending of Lioness season 2 was not quite the cliffhanger that was expected, and there was even a note of finality. While the mission in the final episode was appropriately exciting, the actual ending of season 2 had a very similar tone to its predecessor. The morose nature of Joe and Josie's ending was brilliant character development, but it didn't necessarily make a third season necessary. However, it also didn't close the door on Lioness either.
Lioness Season 3 Set Up
Season 3 Seems Like A Sure Thing
Unlike other action-packed series which leave things off with a huge cliffhanger, season 2 of Lioness doesn't explicitly set up season 3. Instead, the finale uses its time to build upon the characters as they experience their hollow victory together. It's important to note that Lioness season 2 doesn't close the door on a follow-up, and it smartly walks a fine line between conclusiveness and an open-ended conclusion.
- Lioness Season 3: Will It Happen? Everything We Know
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Lioness
Special Ops: Lioness is a Paramount+ original series starring Zoe Saldana and Nicole Kidman. The series centers on a marine and a CIA agent who work together with the daughter of a dangerous terrorist group to destroy the organization. Taylor Sheridan (Yellowstone co-creator) and Jill Wagner created the series, which was directed by Paul Cameron and Anthony Byrne.
Release Date July 23, 2023
Seasons 1
Writers Taylor Sheridan , Jill Wagner
Directors Anthony Byrne , Paul Cameron
Showrunner Taylor Sheridan
English (US) ·