Special Ops: Lioness – The Streaming Phenomenon That Keeps Growing

A Rising Star in Streaming Entertainment

Special Ops: Lioness, created by Taylor Sheridan, premiered on July 23, 2023, on Paramount+. The series follows the leader of undercover CIA operations in the war on terror, focusing on female operatives known as Lionesses.

Star-Studded Cast and Compelling Storyline

The show stars Zoe Saldaña as Joe McNamara, a senior CIA case officer leading the ‘Lioness’ program. The series chronicles her undercover operations to combat terrorism through the deployment of female operatives. The impressive cast includes Laysla De Oliveira, Nicole Kidman, and Morgan Freeman.

Critical and Commercial Success

The series has earned solid reviews with a 72% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes and a similar 73% audience score. Its premiere season set records as Paramount+’s most-watched worldwide series premiere on launch day, attracting nearly 6 million viewers in its first week globally.

Season 2 Achievements

The second season has continued this success, reaching 3 million domestic households in its first seven days – a 2% increase from Season 1. The series now ranks as the fourth-biggest premiere among Paramount+ originals, following only ‘1923,’ ‘Tulsa King’ Season 2, and ‘Halo’ Season 1.

Future Prospects

The series has already been renewed for a third season on August 15, 2025. Its popularity has remained strong, with the show maintaining its position in streaming charts even months after the Season 2 finale aired in December 2024.

Global Impact

The series has demonstrated significant international appeal, ranking as the sixth most popular English-language series on Netflix globally for the week of April 14-20, accumulating 3.4 million views and 20 million hours viewed. The show has reached the top 10 in 22 countries, achieving the number one position in several territories.