Created by Taylor Sheridan.
Lioness premiered on July 23, 2023.
Distributed by Paramount+.
Lioness TV Series Review
Special Ops: Lioness is an exciting action and spy series with strong performances and thrilling missions.
It follows CIA officer Joe McNamara as she leads a team on dangerous undercover operations around the world.
Season 1 introduces the Lioness program and follows Cruz on her first secret mission.
Season 2 brings bigger challenges, more action, and deeper personal stories.
Season 3 continues with new missions, higher risks, and surprising twists that keep viewers interested.
With great acting, emotional moments, and exciting action scenes, Special Ops: Lioness is a must-watch series for fans of military and spy dramas.
CR Rating: 8/10.
Lioness Actors
Zoe Saldaña as Joe McNamara
DOB: June 19, 1978.
Bio: American actress and producer whose career spans major franchises and prestige projects alike.
Known for her commanding physical presence and emotional depth, she has become one of the most bankable and respected stars in Hollywood.
Over more than two decades, Saldaña has brought intelligence and strength to roles that blend action and vulnerability, and she continues to expand her work behind the camera as a producer.
Role: Joe McNamara, a seasoned CIA case officer who leads the covert Lioness program, a high-stakes mission unit that recruits female operatives to infiltrate terrorist networks.
Joe is a professional strategist and hardened field leader who must balance her intense, morally demanding work with the strains of family life.
Seasons & Episodes: Seasons 1–2 (16 episodes).
Interesting facts: Saldaña is also an executive producer on the series and was personally sought out by showmakers for the role.
Notable Works: Avatar and Avatar: The Way of Water, Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, Star Trek films.
Laysla De Oliveira as Cruz Manuelos
DOB: January 11, 1992.
Bio: Canadian actress born in Toronto, Ontario.
She began her career in modeling before transitioning to acting, earning early attention for her emotional range and grounded screen presence.
De Oliveira gained recognition through roles in genre projects that showcased her intensity and versatility, leading to her breakout performance in Special Ops: Lioness.
Role: Cruz Manuelos, a young U.S. Marine Force Recon sniper recruited into the CIA’s Lioness program.
Her character is tasked with going deep undercover to infiltrate a powerful terrorist network through the daughter of a high-value target.
Seasons & Episodes: Seasons 1–2 (16 episodes).
Interesting facts: Cruz’s return in Season 2 was a creative decision by Taylor Sheridan after Season 1, expanding her story in surprising ways.
Notable Works: Locke & Key, In the Tall Grass, Guest of Honour.
Dave Annable as Dr. Neal McNamara
DOB: September 15, 1979.
Bio: American actor from Suffern, New York, best known for his grounded, emotionally accessible performances on television.
A graduate of SUNY Plattsburgh, Annable built his career playing warm, relatable characters often caught between personal and professional conflict.
Role: Dr. Neal McNamara, a pediatric oncologist and the husband of CIA officer Joe McNamara (Zoe Saldaña).
Neal represents the show’s emotional and moral center, a man devoted to his family but struggling to understand the shadowy world his wife inhabits.
Seasons & Episodes: Seasons 1–2 (16 episodes).
Interesting facts: Annable’s real-life wife, Odette Annable, appears alongside him in other projects, and he has spoken about drawing on his real experiences as a husband and father to bring depth to Neal’s family dynamics.
Notable Works: Brothers & Sisters, 666 Park Avenue, Heartbeat.
Nicole Kidman as Kaitlyn Meade
DOB: June 20, 1967.
Bio: Academy Award-winning Australian actor and producer known for her extraordinary versatility and commanding screen presence.
Over a career spanning four decades, she has built one of Hollywood’s most respected filmographies, moving seamlessly between intimate character studies and large-scale productions.
Role: Kaitlyn Meade, a senior CIA officer within the Clandestine Service who oversees Joe McNamara (Zoe Saldaña) and the Lioness program.
Kaitlyn operates in the political and moral gray zones of intelligence work, balancing loyalty to her agents with the realities of Washington oversight.
Seasons & Episodes: Seasons 1–2 (16 episodes).
Interesting facts: Kidman joined Lioness early in development as both star and executive producer.
Her involvement was pivotal in securing Taylor Sheridan’s partnership and elevating the project’s prestige within Paramount+.
Notable Works: The Hours (Oscar win), Big Little Lies, Moulin Rouge!, The Undoing.
Jill Wagner as Bobby
DOB: January 13, 1979.
Bio: American actress, television host, and producer born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
A graduate of North Carolina State University, she first gained national attention as the co-host of Wipeout before establishing herself in scripted television and Hallmark movies.
Role: Bobby, the commander of the Lioness program’s Quick Reaction Force (QRF).
Bobby is the field leader responsible for keeping missions on track and her team safe when operations spiral into chaos.
Seasons & Episodes: Seasons 1–2 (16 episodes).
Interesting facts: Wagner originated the idea for the show during a conversation at her farm, she later helped shepherd it to production and is an executive producer.
Notable Works: Wipeout (host), Teen Wolf, Blade: The Series, Mystery 101 film series.
LaMonica Garrett as Tucker
DOB: May 23, 1975.
Bio: American actor and former professional athlete, born in San Francisco, California.
Known for his commanding presence and calm authority, Garrett transitioned from a brief football career into acting, building a reputation for strength, intelligence, and integrity on screen.
Role: Tucker, a key member of the Lioness program’s Quick Reaction Force (QRF) and a trusted ally to Bobby.
A former Marine, Tucker brings tactical precision, physical power, and veteran experience to every mission.
Seasons & Episodes: Seasons 1–2 (16 episodes).
Interesting facts: Garrett has been a recurring presence in Taylor Sheridan projects, which boosts the show’s tonal continuity.
Notable Works: Designated Survivor, 1883, Arrowverse series (Elseworlds crossover), Sons of Anarchy.
James Jordan as Two Cups
DOB: March 14, 1979.
Bio: American actor born in Houston, Texas, and raised in Claremont, California.
A familiar face in the Taylor Sheridan universe, Jordan has built a strong career playing tough, understated characters with quiet emotional gravity.
Role: Two Cups, a core member of the Lioness program’s Quick Reaction Force (QRF).
He is the team’s pragmatic operator, a man defined by his focus, endurance, and calm in high-stress situations.
Seasons & Episodes: Seasons 1–2 (16 episodes).
Interesting facts: Jordan is part of Taylor Sheridan’s core group of recurring actors, having appeared in several of his projects.
Notable Works: Yellowstone, Wind River, Mayor of Kingstown, Those Who Wish Me Dead.
Austin Hébert as Randy
DOB: N/A
Bio: American actor known for his grounded, physical performances in both film and television.
He often portrays soldiers, law enforcement, or blue-collar characters, bringing a natural authenticity and understated toughness to his roles.
Role: Randy, a key member of the Lioness program’s Quick Reaction Force (QRF).
As part of Bobby’s tightly knit team, Randy stands out for his dependability and quiet humor, grounding the group when the intensity spikes.
Seasons & Episodes: Seasons 1–2 (16 episodes).
Interesting facts: Hébert’s background in military and procedural dramas gives him an advantage in playing soldiers and agents with credibility.
Notable Works: Jack Reacher: Never Go Back, Above Suspicion, The Answer.
Jonah Wharton as Tex
DOB: N/A
Bio: American actor recognized for his authentic screen presence and natural chemistry within ensemble casts.
He has built a growing career in action and drama projects, often portraying soldiers or tactical team members with believable precision.
Role: Tex, a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) operative who balances loyalty, humor, and reliability in the field.
Though not the loudest in the room, Tex embodies the camaraderie and competence that keep the Lioness missions running smoothly.
Seasons & Episodes: Seasons 1–2 (16 episodes).
Interesting facts: Wharton’s birthday has been celebrated by the cast on social channels, which speaks to a close knit ensemble culture.
Notable Works: Emerging TV credits; Lioness is a breakout for him.
Stephanie Nur as Aaliyah Amrohi
DOB: May 6, 1988.
Bio: Egyptian-born Austrian-Syrian actor whose career spans international film, television, and theater.
Known for her emotional intelligence and linguistic versatility, she has built a reputation for bringing depth and authenticity to globally diverse characters.
Role: Aaliyah Amrohi, the daughter of a powerful businessman suspected of funding terrorism.
Aaliyah’s relationship with undercover agent Cruz Manuelos forms the emotional centerpiece of Season 1, blurring lines between trust, affection, and duty.
Seasons & Episodes: Seasons 1 (8 episodes).
Interesting facts: Nur’s multilingual background and international career helped sell the character’s cultural authenticity.
Notable Works: 1883, My Big Fat Greek, international films and TV.
Hannah Love Lanier as Kate McNamara
DOB: February 27, 2008.
Bio: her natural emotional range and expressive presence on screen.
Despite her young age, she has already demonstrated a maturity that allows her to hold her own alongside veteran performers.
Role: Kate McNamara, the teenage daughter of Joe (Zoe Saldaña) and Dr. Neal McNamara (Dave Annable).
Kate’s emotional struggles and moments of rebellion serve as the emotional counterweight to Joe’s covert missions, highlighting the sacrifices and emotional cost of a double life.
Seasons & Episodes: Seasons 1–2 (16 episodes).
Interesting facts: Lanier has shared glimpses of the Lioness set on social media, emphasizing the mentorship and support she’s received from her co-stars, particularly Zoe Saldaña.
Notable Works: Early TV credits; Lioness is a major ongoing role.
Morgan Freeman as Edwin Mullins
DOB: June 1, 1937.
Bio: Morgan Freeman is an acting legend whose gravitas instantly elevates any project.
He brings gravitas and world-weariness to political and institutional roles, and his presence often signals high-stakes storytelling.
Role: Edwin Mullins, the U.S. Secretary of State, introduced in Season 2 as the public face of American diplomacy.
Mullins operates at the highest levels of government, managing the political repercussions of the Lioness program’s covert missions.
Seasons & Episodes: Seasons 1–2 (10 episodes).
Interesting facts: Freeman’s promotion to a larger role coincided with Season 2’s expanded political storyline.
Notable Works: Driving Miss Daisy, The Shawshank Redemption, Million Dollar Baby.
More Actors
Season 1 (2023)
• Michael Kelly as Byron Westfield (CIA Deputy Director).
• Thad Luckinbill as Kyle.
• Bruce McGill as Hollar.
• Jennifer Ehle as Mason.
Season 2 (2024)
• Genesis Rodriguez as Captain Josephina Carrillo.
• Max Martini as Tracer.
• Sofie Calderon as Atzi.
FAQ – Lioness TV Series
What is Special Ops: Lioness about?
The series follows CIA officer Joe McNamara as she leads the Lioness Program, recruiting female operatives to infiltrate dangerous terrorist and criminal organizations on high-risk undercover missions.
Is Special Ops: Lioness based on a true story?
It is inspired by the real U.S. Marine Corps Lioness Program, but the characters, missions, and storylines are fictional.
What genre is Special Ops: Lioness?
It is an action, spy thriller, military drama, and espionage series.
How many seasons of Special Ops: Lioness are there?
The series currently has three seasons.
Where can I watch Special Ops: Lioness?
The series streams exclusively on Paramount+.
Conclusion
Special Ops: Lioness is a gripping spy thriller that delivers exciting action, emotional storytelling, and strong performances.
With intense missions and engaging characters across its seasons, it is a must-watch for fans of military and espionage dramas.