Sæson
Episode
Afspillerserver
Løve
20238
DramaKrig & Politik
Udgivet
23. jul. 2023
Land
USA
Produktioner
Blossom FilmsMTV Entertainment Studios101 StudiosBosque Ranch ProductionsCinestar PicturesParamount Television Studios
Cruz Manuelos, en rå, men passioneret ung marinesoldat, rekrutteres til at slutte sig til CIA's Lioness Engagement Team for at hjælpe med at bringe en terrororganisation ned indeni. Joe, stationens chef for Lioness-programmet, har til opgave at træne, administrere og lede hendes kvindelige undercoveroperatører.
About
Quick guide
A CIA covert ops thriller that follows a young Marine who infiltrates a terrorist network from inside.
Lioness tells the story of Cruz Manuelos, a tough Marine who is recruited by the CIA’s Lioness program to get close to a terrorist financier’s daughter. The series follows her training, her covert operations in hostile territory, and the toll of balancing family life with a high‑stakes mission. The story blends spy drama, war action, and personal conflict, revealing the psychological and political pressures on those who operate in the shadows of global conflict.
What to know
- Cruz Manuelos, a Marine, is the main operative.
- Joe McNamara is the CIA station chief leading the program.
- The series is a 2023 Paramount+ original.
- Episodes run about 38–57 minutes each.
- The show blends action with psychological tension.
- It’s based on a real CIA program.
- The narrative covers the war on terror.
- The tone is mature with political and war themes.
Watch if
If you enjoy grounded spy thrillers with strong female leads, intricate covert missions, and a focus on the human cost of intelligence work, Lioness will keep you engaged with its tense pacing and character depth.
Skip if
If you prefer light‑hearted or purely action‑based entertainment without the psychological or political layers, the series’ mature themes and slow‑buildup may feel too heavy.
war themespolitical themessuspensefulintense actiondark tonepsychological elementsmature themes
Series Premise
Lioness follows Cruz Manuelos, a Marine who is recruited into the CIA’s Lioness program. She must embed herself among a terrorist group by befriending the daughter of a key financier. The series tracks her training, covert infiltration, and the moral ambiguity that comes with working inside a hostile organization.
Main Characters
Zoe Saldaña plays Joe McNamara, the seasoned CIA case officer steering the program. Laysla De Oliveira portrays Cruz, the rugged Marine operative. Supporting roles include Nicole Kidman as Kaitlyn Meade, Dave Annable as Neal McNamara, and James Jordan as Two Cups. These characters balance high‑risk missions with complex family relationships.
Creator and Production
Created by Taylor Sheridan, known for Yellowstone, the series was executive produced by Sheridan, Jill Wagner, and Bob Yari. It premiered on Paramount+ on July 23, 2023. The production blends realistic military training sequences with polished cinematography.
War & Terror Context
Set against the backdrop of the ongoing war on terror, Lioness exposes the challenges of operating in war zones while navigating political pressures from higher authorities. The series highlights the psychological toll on operatives who must remain undercover for months.
Episode Structure
The first season consists of eight episodes, each lasting between 38 and 57 minutes. Episodes premiere weekly, beginning with a 42‑minute pilot that establishes the mission’s stakes and the personal struggles of the protagonists.
Themes & Tone
Lioness tackles mature themes such as political intrigue, moral ambiguity, and the cost of secrecy. Its tone is dark and suspenseful, featuring intense action sequences and psychological tension that underscore the personal sacrifices required of undercover operatives.
FAQ
43 Q&A
Is Lioness based on a true story?
The TV show Lioness is inspired by a real CIA program.
What kind of training do the Lionesses go through?
The Lionesses go through intense training to prepare for dangerous missions.
What is the TV show Lioness about?
Lioness is about a young Marine who is recruited to join a CIA program to take down a terrorist organization.
What is the role of the CIA in Lioness?
The CIA runs a program that recruits women to go undercover and get close to the targets.
Are there any romantic relationships in Lioness?
Yes, there are romantic relationships explored in the show.
What is the relationship between Cruz and her family?
Cruz has a complicated relationship with her mother and sister.
Does Joe complete her mission in Lioness?
Joe faces many challenges but works to complete her mission.
What is CIA in the Lioness series?
CIA stands for Central Intelligence Agency, which is a US government agency focused on gathering and analyzing national security information.
What challenges do the characters face in Lioness?
The characters face dangerous situations, personal sacrifices, and difficult moral choices.
How does the show portray the lives of female CIA agents?
The show portrays the demanding and high-stakes lives of female CIA agents.
What is the age of Cruz Manuel in the show?
Cruz Manuel's specific age is not explicitly stated as a single number but she is depicted as a young woman.
What is the relationship between Joe and Kaitlyn in Lioness?
Joe and Kaitlyn have a complex working relationship, with Kaitlyn being Joe's handler.
Who plays the character of Joe in Lioness?
Zoe Saldaña plays the character of Joe.
What is the meaning of the title Lioness?
The title 'Lioness' refers to the female CIA agents who are fierce and strong in their dangerous missions.
Who created the TV show Lioness?
Taylor Sheridan created the TV show Lioness.
Does the show explain the politics behind the missions?
The show touches upon the political landscape and the reasons behind the missions.
What happens at the end of the first season of Lioness?
The end of the first season involves intense developments and unresolved plotlines.
What is the plot of the first season of Lioness?
The first season follows a Marine recruited to go undercover with the CIA to stop a terrorist group.
Who is the main villain in Lioness?
The main antagonists are those involved in the terrorist organization the CIA is trying to dismantle.
Where is the TV show Lioness filmed?
The TV show Lioness was filmed in various locations, including California and France.
Who are the main characters in Lioness?
The main characters include Joe, Cruz Manuel, and Kaitlyn Meade.
Who is Kaitlyn Meade in Lioness?
Kaitlyn Meade is a senior CIA field operative who is part of the Lioness program.
Does the show have a lot of action scenes?
Yes, the show features numerous action-packed scenes.
What are the different types of missions the Lionesses go on?
The missions involve going undercover to gather intelligence and neutralize threats.
Who is Cruz Manuel in Lioness?
Cruz Manuel is a young recruit in the Lioness program who goes undercover.
What are the main themes explored in Lioness?
The series explores themes of resilience, sacrifice, empowerment, loyalty, trust, and the unique challenges women face in demanding jobs. It also touches on moral ambiguity and the complexities of dual identities in high-stakes environments.
How does the show depict the dangers of espionage?
The show depicts espionage as a dangerous field where mistakes can have fatal consequences. It highlights the risks involved in undercover operations, the potential for betrayal, and the high stakes of missions that can impact global security.
What are the personal sacrifices made by the characters in Lioness?
Characters in Lioness make significant personal sacrifices, including strained family relationships, emotional tolls from dangerous missions, and the difficulty of maintaining a normal life outside of their covert operations.
How are the relationships between the female agents shown?
Relationships between female agents are shown as complex, emphasizing teamwork and trust, while also highlighting the unique challenges they face. The series explores both professional bonds and the personal struggles that can affect their dynamics.
When did Lioness premiere?
Lioness premiered on July 23, 2023.
What is the overall message of the series Lioness?
The series conveys a message of empowerment, suggesting that women can be as capable and bold as men in any field, including intelligence and defense. It emphasizes the importance of female solidarity and their ability to make a difference.
How realistic is the portrayal of CIA operations in Lioness?
Lioness is inspired by real-life CIA operations and features elements of espionage and special forces tactics. While it is an entertaining depiction, some aspects blend espionage and special forces operations, blurring lines and sometimes disregarding practical constraints for dramatic effect.
Does Lioness have any connections to other Taylor Sheridan shows?
Yes, Lioness is part of Taylor Sheridan's universe of shows on Paramount+, alongside series like Yellowstone, Mayor of Kingstown, and 1923.
What is the role of technology in the missions?
Technology plays a role in the missions, with references to advanced equipment like night-vision goggles (NVGs), which are utilized in their operations.
What inspired Taylor Sheridan to create Lioness?
Taylor Sheridan was inspired by a real-life CIA program and the contributions of female operatives in espionage and counterterrorism operations.
Who is the executive producer of Lioness?
The executive producers of Lioness include Taylor Sheridan, Zoe Saldaña, and Nicole Kidman, among others.
What happens to the other members of Joe's team?
The other members of Joe's team, often referred to as the Quick Reaction Force (QRF), are involved in supporting the Lionesses on their missions. Their actions and involvement can vary depending on the specific operation, sometimes going beyond their intended support roles.
Does the show focus more on action or character drama?
The show balances intense action sequences with deeply emotional storytelling and character drama, exploring the personal lives and struggles of the agents.
What network airs the TV show Lioness?
Lioness airs on Paramount+.
What other TV shows has the cast been in?
The cast of Lioness has appeared in numerous other TV shows and films, including Yellowstone, Locke & Key, 1923, Mayor of Kingstown, and more.
Are there any twists in the plot of Lioness?
Yes, the plot of Lioness includes twists and turns, often involving unexpected developments in the missions and the personal lives of the characters.
Is there a season 2 for Lioness?
Yes, Lioness was renewed for a second season, which premiered on October 27, 2024.
What is the reaction of the public to the Lioness program?
The public reaction to the Lioness program is not explicitly detailed in the provided search results, but the series itself has been popular and successful on Paramount+.
Skuespillere
Zoe Saldaña
Joe McNamara
Laysla De Oliveira
Cruz Manuelos
Dave Annable
Neal McNamara
Jill Wagner
Bobby
LaMonica Garrett
Tucker
James Jordan
Two Cups
Genesis Rodriguez
Captain Josephina 'Josie' Carrillo
Michael Kelly
Byron Westfield
Austin Hébert
Randy
Jonah Wharton
Tex
Thad Luckinbill
Kyle McManus
Hannah Love Lanier
Kate McNamara