Taylor Sheridan's espionage thriller Lioness stormed back onto Paramount+ with its third season this past weekend, and it didn't take long for the series to reclaim its throne. According to FlixPatrol, the show rocketed to the number-one narrative series spot on the platform, leaving no doubt that Sheridan's creative touch remains as potent as ever.
This triumph comes at a pivotal moment for the prolific showrunner. After his high-profile split from Paramount, Sheridan is gearing up for a fresh partnership with NBCUniversal. But before he turns the page, he's proving that his signature storytelling still commands massive audiences. While his Yellowstone universe—including the hit Dutton Ranch and Marshals—continues to thrive, those projects are now overseen by other creatives, with Sheridan's involvement reduced to a name-only basis. Lioness, however, remains his baby: he's the sole showrunner and writer, and he even steps in front of the camera for a supporting role.
The show's return on August 2 was nothing short of spectacular. It immediately jumped to the top of Paramount+'s viewership charts, a feat that underscores Sheridan's unique ability to connect with audiences. Even Dutton Ranch, which drew over 6 billion minutes watched during its eight-week run, couldn't overshadow the buzz surrounding Lioness's comeback. The series, headlined by Zoe Saldaña, follows a team of female CIA operatives battling terror threats worldwide, with Nicole Kidman and Morgan Freeman adding star power in supporting roles.
Critics have taken notice, too. Lioness currently holds a 73% overall score on Rotten Tomatoes, with the third season sitting at a solid 75%. That's a significant improvement over the first season's 54%, and it's a testament to how the show has evolved. In her review for Collider, Therese Lacson noted that the third season's focus on a real-world conflict, rather than a fictional one, might be a double-edged sword—it adds authenticity but also risks alienating viewers who prefer escapism.
Despite any critical quibbles, the numbers speak for themselves. Lioness isn't just a hit; it's a phenomenon that keeps Sheridan's other shows—like Yellowstone, Dutton Ranch, and Tulsa King—firmly entrenched in the platform's top 10. This sustained success is a clear signal that Sheridan's influence on streaming is far from over, even as he prepares to expand his empire with NBCUniversal.
For fans of Sheridan's work, the future looks bright. With Lioness continuing to dominate and new projects on the horizon, the king of Paramount+ is showing no signs of slowing down. Whether he's crafting gritty Westerns or high-stakes spy dramas, Sheridan has an uncanny knack for keeping viewers glued to their screens. And as he embarks on this next chapter, one thing is certain: his storytelling prowess will be in high demand.
Stay tuned to Collider for more updates on Lioness and all things Taylor Sheridan.
