Plot Synopsis

Created by Taylor Sheridan and inspired by an actual U.S. Military program, SPECIAL OPS: LIONESS is an eight-episode spy thriller that follows the life of Joe while she attempts to balance her personal and professional life as the tip of the CIA's spear in the war on terror. The Lioness Program, overseen by Kaitlyn Meade and Donald Westfield, enlists an aggressive Marine Raider named Cruz to operate undercover alongside Joe among the power brokers of State terrorism in the CIA's efforts to thwart the next 9/11. SPECIAL OPS: LIONESS debuted with two episodes on Sunday, July 23, 2023 on Paramount+, with a new episode dropping weekly on Sundays through September 3. The first episode was also available as a free sneak peak on Paramount+ early morning on July 23 and later that night at 9:15pm ET/PT on cable on Paramount and CMT. The second episode required a Paramount+ subscription, but aired on Paramount cable one week later on July 30. Episodes include:

"Sacrificial Soldiers" (Sunday, July 23, 2023): Things go awry for Joe and her team during a mission out in the field; Joe is left devastated. Upon her return home, Joe's family life presents it's own challenges. Cruz tries to escape a dangerous situation. Joe must choose a new recruit.

"The Beating" (Sunday, July 23, 2023): Joe continues her training with Cruz; her methods are questionable. Cruz starts to build a relationship with Aaliyah. Kate gets into a fight during her soccer game. Neal has to deliver difficult news to a patient.

"Bruise Like a Fist" (Sunday, July 30, 2023): Cruz is invited to spend the weekend with Aaliyah and her inner-circle. Joe keeps Kaitlyn informed of Cruz's progress. Kyle comes to Joe desperate for help with an asset.

"The Choice of Failure" (Sunday, August 6, 2023): Cruz is put in a compromising position while out with Aaliyah and friends in the Hamptons; causing Joe and Kaitlyn to doubt her. Kaitlyn and Westfield confront Kyle over what happened at the border, complicating things further for Joe and her team.

"Truth Is the Shrewdest Lie" (Sunday, August 13, 2023): Joe and Neal deal with the aftermath of Kate's accident. Westfield and Kaitlyn deploy Joe's team to subdue a terrorist threat. Cruz's cover may be in jeopardy.

"The Lie Is the Truth" (Sunday, August 20, 2023): Aaliyah bonds with Cruz over a spa day. Bobby, Tex, Two Cups, Randy and Tucker confront a threat at the Safe House. Kaitlyn and Joe are scolded for the San Antonio mission in a debrief.

"Wish the Fight Away" (Sunday, August 27, 2023): While shopping in Manhattan for the wedding, Aaliyah and Cruz get closer. Kate returns home only to say goodbye to her mom once again. Joe guides Cruz through internal struggle and doubt in completing the mission.

"Gone is the Illusion of Order" (Sunday, September 3, 2023): Unforeseen circumstances leaves the mission in jeopardy. A suspicious Eshan confronts Cruz before his wedding day. Joe and the team prepare for the worst.
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The sophomore season of the series, now simply called LIONESS, premieres Sunday, October 27, 2024 with two episodes on Paramount+. Season 2 features a star-studded cast, including series lead and executive producer Zoe Saldana, Laysla De Oliveira, Genesis Rodriguez and Emmy Award nominee Michael Kelly, with Oscar winner Morgan Freeman, and Oscar and Emmy winner and executive producer Nicole Kidman. As the CIA's fight against terror moves closer to home, Joe, Kaitlyn, and Byron enlist a new Lioness operative to infiltrate a previously unknown threat. With pressure mounting from all sides, Joe is forced to confront the profound personal sacrifices she has made as the leader of the Lioness program. The series also stars Dave Annable, Jill Wagner, LaMonica Garrett, James Jordan, Austin Hebert, Jonah Wharton, Thad Luckinbill and Hannah Love Lanier.