Nicole Kidman, arguably the hardest-working actor on the small screen, is set to hit the ITVX homepage this weekend with her executive-produced CIA thriller.
From the mega-mind behind the Yellowstone universe, Special Ops: Lioness promises Mission Impossible-style entertainment, centred on an elite all-woman unit of marines based in the Middle East.
Loosely inspired by a real-life CIA programme that used female military personnel, the Lionesses are undercover spies tasked with befriending the wives, girlfriends or daughters of terrorists for either intel or getting them to turn on the dangerous men in their lives.
Kidman stars alongside Zoe Saldana and Morgan Freeman in the high-octane action drama, which first came to Amazon Prime Video, through its Paramount Plus channel.
The first season from the prolific Paramount creator Taylor Sheridan hits ITVX this weekend – after it first launched in the US in 2023 – with the second season set to arrive in 2026.
The eight-episode season kicks off with Saldana’s character and Lioness leader Joe seeing one of her operatives have her cover blown. She’s forced to call in a drone strike, which kills the spy along with those who have worked out who exactly she really is.
The show boasts a decent reception from fans and critics alike, with a 73% critic score on review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes and a near-identical 74% rating from the general audience.
Lioness obsessives have taken to Google reviews to share their high praise for the show’s mishmash of women’s liberation and the military industrial complex.
Zars Acebedo said they would give Special Ops: Lioness a solid 10/10 rating, writing: ‘It had me hooked right from the start! With an incredible cast, you know you’re in for something special.
‘If you’re into thrillers with deep, unpredictable characters, Special Ops: Lioness is a must-watch. Easily one of the best series I’ve seen in a while and so excited to watch the next season!’
Kassy Reyes was similarly gushing, writing: ‘Lioness is nothing short of phenomenal.
‘From the very first episode, it had me completely hooked, and I haven’t been able to take my eyes off the screen since!
‘The plot twists are masterfully executed, keeping you on the edge of your seat, and the pacing never lets up. It’s rare to find a show that grips you so completely, but Lioness does exactly that.
‘If you’re not watching this show, you’re missing out on one of the best stories on TV right now!’
Subhadeep Ghosh hailed the show as ‘one of the most brilliant thriller series I have ever seen’. High praise indeed!
The first season of Special Ops: Lioness is available to stream on ITVX. The second season arrives in 2026.
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