Lioness Season 3 Review: Critical Drop Yet Still Strong on Paramount+ Series

Taylor Sheridan’s war‑thriller Lioness stormed back onto Paramount+ this Sunday with its third season, “The Spider and The Fly.” The episode, written by Sheridan and directed by Michael Friedman, reunites Zoe Saldaña as Joe McNamara alongside Morgan Freeman and Nicole Kidman. Critics have already weighed in, noting a dip in the Rotten Tomatoes score to 75% after a high of 90% for season 2. The shift raises questions about the series’ trajectory and what it means for Sheridan’s expanding universe.

What happened

Lioness returned to Paramount+ on August 3, 2026 with the episode “The Spider and The Fly,” a Sheridan‑penned, Michael Friedman‑directed opener that re‑establishes Joe McNamara’s covert operations. The season brings back a heavyweight cast—Zoe Saldaña, Morgan Freeman, Nicole Kidman, Michael Kelly and LaMonica Garrett—while adding new tactical storylines that blend espionage with Sheridan’s signature frontier grit.

The critical consensus is mixed. Rotten Tomatoes lists a 75% average, down from the 90% score that season 2 enjoyed, though still above season 1’s 54%. Collider’s Therese Lacson called the season “messy and chaotic,” while ScreenRant’s Cher Thompson suggested it could become the series’ best yet, and CBR’s Katie Doll praised a newfound balance between action and grounded drama.

Why it matters

The drop in critical scores suggests the show is struggling to maintain the narrative cohesion that made season 2 a breakout hit. For fans of Sheridan’s Dutton Ranch universe, the series’ ability to blend high‑stakes war drama with character‑driven storytelling is a barometer for future spin‑offs. Networks and advertisers also watch these metrics closely; a sustained decline could affect renewal decisions and Paramount+’s positioning against competing war‑thrillers.

How to think about it

Treat season 3 as a transitional chapter. Appreciate the standout set pieces and performances, but keep expectations realistic about narrative tightness. If you’re invested in the broader Sheridan universe, use this season to gauge whether the franchise can sustain its thematic ambition before committing to future installments.

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