Good news for fans of the spy thriller Lioness (also known as Special Ops: Lioness): the show has been officially renewed for Season 3 after months of speculation and delays. Below is everything we know about what happened, why it took a while, and what to expect going forward.
✅ Renewal Confirmed
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On August 15, 2025, Lioness was officially renewed for its third season by the studio behind it, 101 Studios.
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The show’s creator, Taylor Sheridan, remains involved as executive producer, keeping his signature tone of espionage, moral conflict, and high stakes.
⏳ Why the Long Wait?
Several factors contributed to the delay between the end of Season 2 and the formal renewal:
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Contract negotiations among big-name cast — Actors like Nicole Kidman (who plays Kaitlyn Meade) needed new deals for Season 3, and those talks extended the timeline.
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Sheridan’s own busy schedule — Taylor Sheridan has several productions in motion, which likely slowed down the renewal process.
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Studio logistics & production setup — Filming will occur in Fort Worth, Texas, using a new, large production campus, which needed preparations.
🎬 What We Know About Season 3
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Filming starts in October 2025 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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The show will use the new 450,000-square-foot production campus in the AllianceTexas development, a hub built in partnership between Taylor Sheridan’s SGS Studios, Paramount Television, Hillwood, and 101 Studios.
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Returning cast includes Zoe Saldaña (as Joe), Nicole Kidman, Morgan Freeman (now a main cast member), Laysla De Oliveira, Michael Kelly, and others.
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Release date hasn’t been officially announced yet, but given the production schedule, a late 2026 premiere is expected.
🔍 What This Renewal Means
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The solid performance and strong reception of Lioness’ first two seasons likely played a big role in the show getting another greenlight.
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Fans can expect more of the show’s signature blend: undercover missions, moral complexity, intense action, and internal conflict—especially with characters like Joe balancing her personal life with high-stakes CIA operations.
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The relocation to a Texas-studio hub and evidence of bigger production resources suggest Season 3 might bring larger scale, possibly more ambitious set pieces and expanded story arcs.
🔮 What Fans Are Waiting For
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Official release date confirmation
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Teasers or trailers to get a sense of what new threats / storylines Season 3 will tackle
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How the personal arcs (Joe’s family, relationships within the Lioness team) will evolve in light of more intense missions
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Any new cast additions or changes
