Special Ops: Lioness (also known simply as Lioness) is a Paramount+ original spy thriller created by Taylor Sheridan. The series follows CIA operations that recruit and deploy undercover female operatives in high‑risk missions. Starring Zoe Saldaña, Nicole Kidman and Morgan Freeman, the show has aired two full seasons as of early 2025, with a third season already in production.
The series premiered on July 23, 2023, with two episodes. Each season follows an eight‑episode structure, a format common among Paramount+ dramas. All episodes of the first two seasons are available to stream exclusively on Paramount+.
How Many Episodes Are in Special Ops: Lioness Season 1?
- Series Name: Special Ops: Lioness (also Lioness)
- Creator: Taylor Sheridan
- Seasons: 3 (2 aired, 1 in production)
- Episodes per Season: 8 each (16 aired)
- Season 1 has exactly 8 episodes.
- The season premiered on July 23, 2023.
- All episodes are streaming on Paramount+.
- The series is inspired by the real‑life U.S. Lioness program.
- Creator Taylor Sheridan is known for Yellowstone and other Paramount+ originals.
| Season | Episodes | Premiere | Finale (approx.) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8 | July 23, 2023 | August 13, 2023 | Aired |
| 2 | 8 | October 27, 2024 | December 15, 2024 | Aired |
| 3 | TBD | TBD | TBD | In production |
Special Ops: Lioness Season 1 Episode Guide
Season 1 consists of eight episodes. The episode titles, as listed by Paramount+ and on IMDB episode list, are:
- Sacrificial Soldiers
- The Beating
- Bruise Like a Fist
- The Choice of Failure
- Truth Is the Shrewdest Lie
- The Lie Is the Truth
- Wish the Fight Away
- Gone Is the Illusion of Order
How Many Episodes Are in Special Ops: Lioness Season 2?
Season 2 Episode Count and Release
Season 2 also has eight episodes. It premiered on on Paramount+ and ran through December 2024. The full episode list is available on the official streaming platform and on IMDB.
All episodes of Season 2 are available on demand exclusively on Paramount+. No official episode list has been published on YouTube or other free platforms.
Is Special Ops: Lioness Season 3 Confirmed and When Will It Be Released?
Current Status of Special Ops: Lioness Season 3
Special Ops: Lioness has been renewed for a third season. As of October 2025, production was underway in Texas, according to available reports. No public premiere date has been confirmed yet.
While the renewal is certain, Paramount+ has not announced a release window for Season 3. Fans should monitor official Paramount+ announcements for updates.
Where Can You Stream or Watch Special Ops: Lioness Episodes?
Official Streaming Platform: Paramount+
Both Season 1 and Season 2 are available exclusively on Paramount+. The service offers full episodes on demand. Season 1 was also released on Blu‑ray and DVD by Paramount Home Entertainment (IMDB notes the home‑video release).
Availability on YouTube
Full episodes are not officially available on YouTube. Only promotional clips and trailers have been posted by the official Paramount+ channel.
Paramount+ is available in select countries. Check local availability or, if permitted, use a VPN service to access the platform from outside supported regions.
What Is the Release Timeline for Special Ops: Lioness?
- — Premiere of Season 1 on Paramount+ (Wikipedia)
- — Season 1 finale (approx. 8 episodes over 4 weeks)
- — Premiere of Season 2 on Paramount+
- — Season 2 finale
- — Season 3 renewal announced; production underway in Texas
What Is Known and What Remains Unconfirmed About Special Ops: Lioness Episodes?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Season 1 and 2 each have 8 episodes. | Exact finale dates for Season 2 are approximate based on weekly release patterns. |
| The series was created by Taylor Sheridan. | Whether full episodes will ever appear on YouTube is not confirmed. |
| All episodes stream exclusively on Paramount+. | A specific release date for Season 3 has not been announced. |
Who Created Special Ops: Lioness and What Is It About?
Special Ops: Lioness was created by Taylor Sheridan, the writer and producer behind Yellowstone, 1883 and Tulsa King. The series is a Paramount+ original that falls within his growing portfolio of high‑budget dramas for the platform.
The show is inspired by the real‑life U.S. military Lioness program, which deployed female soldiers alongside special operations forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. While the characters and missions are fictionalized, the premise draws on actual operational tactics.
The cast includes Zoe Saldaña as Joe, the CIA officer leading the program, Nicole Kidman as the agency’s senior strategist, and Morgan Freeman as a high‑ranking official.
What Are the Primary Sources for Special Ops: Lioness Episode Information?
“Lioness, also marketed as Special Ops: Lioness, is an American spy thriller television series created by Taylor Sheridan that premiered on July 23, 2023.”
“Full Episodes: E1 Sacrificial Soldiers, E2 The Beating, …”
“S1.E1 ∙ Sacrificial Soldiers, S1.E2 ∙ The Beating, …”
Additional fan‑maintained details can be found on the Fandom wiki, though its editorial oversight is lower than official sources.
What Is the Key Takeaway for Special Ops: Lioness Episodes?
Special Ops: Lioness has delivered 16 episodes across two seasons, each consisting of eight tightly paced installments. Season 3 is in production but lacks a premiere date. All aired episodes are available exclusively on Paramount+. For a complete breakdown of Season 2 episodes, see our Full Season 2 Episode Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total episode count for Special Ops: Lioness?
As of Season 2, there are 16 episodes total (8 per season). Season 3’s count is not yet announced.
Are Special Ops: Lioness episodes available on DVD or Blu-ray?
Season 1 was released on Blu‑ray and DVD by Paramount Home Entertainment. No physical release for Season 2 has been announced.
Who stars in Special Ops: Lioness?
The cast includes Zoe Saldaña, Laysla De Oliveira, Dave Annable, Nicole Kidman, and Morgan Freeman, among others.
Is Special Ops: Lioness a true story?
It is inspired by the real‑life Lioness program of the U.S. military, but characters and events are fictionalized.
How can I watch Special Ops: Lioness from outside the US?
Paramount+ is available in select countries. Check local availability or use a VPN if permitted.
Margaret Ellison is Editor-in-Chief at RegionalReport.co.uk, overseeing editorial policy, corrections, standards and publication decisions. She writes occasional leader columns and major regional news stories.