Move Over James Bond — Nicole Kidman & Zoë Saldaña Explode onto Netflix in a Ruthless 8-Part Spy Thriller That Breaks Every Rule: All-Female Military Unit, Family Feuds Wilder Than Yellowstone, and Twists So Dark Fans Say It’s “The Most Addictive, Jaw-Dropping Espionage Series of the Decade”! This isn’t just another spy show — it’s a total reinvention of the genre, with Nicole Kidman and Zoë Saldaña leading a merciless all-female military unit on covert missions so dangerous and brazen they’ll leave you breathless. Packed with family betrayals that burn hotter than Yellowstone and twists so savage fans call it “Homeland on steroids,” this Netflix thriller detonates every expectation. Brutal, cunning, and addictively intense, it’s the spy drama that obliterates the competition and hooks you from the first shot to the last explosion. Press play if you dare — because this is espionage like you’ve never seen before.
If, like me, you’re a sucker for a gripping spy thriller, then you are in luck. The compelling eight-part series, Lioness, starring and executive produced by Nicole Kidman and Zoë Saldaña, is currently streaming on ITVX – and it’s climbing the streaming platform’s most-watched chart. The thriller, which comes from Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan and is described by ITV as “electrifying”, focuses on a military unit of female operatives who carry out dangerous undercover missions to befriend the wives and girlfriends of targets in the war on terror.
What is Lioness about?
The series, which is inspired by a real U.S. Military program, follows the life of Joe as she attempts to “balance her personal and professional life as the tip of the CIA’s spear in the war on terror”, according to the synopsis. It continues: “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.”
Who stars in Lioness?
Guardians of the Galaxy and Avatar star Zoe Saldaña leads the cast as Joe, alongside Babygirl‘s Nicole Kidman as Kaitlyn Meade and Locke & Key‘s Laysla De Oliveira. Other cast members include Michael Kelly (Black Mirror), Morgan Freeman (A Good Person), Dave Annable (Yellowstone), Jill Wagner (Wipeout) and LaMonica Garrett (1883).
What have viewers said about Lioness?
The series has been praised as “excellent” and a “must-watch” by viewers on social media. Meanwhile, season one scored 73 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes, with season two boasting a 90 per cent rating.
One person wrote on X: “Special Ops: Lioness… haven’t watched a good series in a while but this one is a 10/10 for sure, definitely a must watch,” while another added: “Lioness is a brilliant series. Just finished series 2, outstanding. Get it watched.”
Season one of Lioness is available to stream on ITVX. Both seasons are available on Paramount+.