MOVE OVER JAMES BOND!!! — NICOLE KIDMAN & ZOË SALDAÑA EXPLODE THE SCREEN WITH THE DARING 8-PART SPY SERIES OF THE DECADE Forget all the spy stereotypes you know. In this globally sensational 8-part thriller series, Nicole Kidman and Zoë Saldaña aren’t just behind the scenes; they’re directly in the eye of the storm, leading an all-female military unit on breathtakingly daring secret missions. From the opening episode, viewers are drawn into a world of dark operations, political intrigue, and fractured family relationships, where loyalty is tested to its limits. The pace is rapid like gunfire, yet it still leaves room for haunting moments of introspection, creating a depth of emotion rarely seen in action films. Viewers have described it as “Homeland pushed to the extreme,” blended with the brutality and family drama of Yellowstone, where each episode concludes with a heart-pounding twist. Ruthless, intelligent, and captivating, this series not only elevates the spy genre but also completely redefines storytelling about power, war, and women caught between life and death.

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.

woman sitting on chair in beige shirt
© ITV
Nicole Kidman as Kaitlyn Mead in Lioness

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.”

Zoe Saldana Calls 'Special Ops: Lioness' a Spiritual Successor to 'Sicario'

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).

group of military soldiers in air hanger
© ITV
The series is climbing ITVX’s most-watched chart
WATCH: Nicole Kidman and Zoe Saldaña star in Lioness

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.

man and woman walking away from plane
© ITV
The compelling spy thriller comes from Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan

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+.

Related Posts