15 Shows To Watch if You Love 'Special Ops: Lioness' (2024)

Taylor Sheridan, the co-creator of the award-winning show, Yellowstone, has returned with Special Ops: Lioness. The show centers on Joe (Zoe Saldaña), a CIA officer who recruits Cruz (Laysla De Oliveira), a female special operations Marine, as an undercover agent in the Lioness Program.

The issue of espionage, risky clandestine missions, as well as the psychological impact on those involved, are explored in the show. Thus, there are several options with similar themes and approaches for viewers who are already hooked to kill time while waiting for the next episode of Lioness to drop.

Lioness

Action

Crime

Where to Watch

• stream
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Not available

*Availability in US

Release Date

July 23, 2023

Directors

Anthony Byrne , Paul Cameron

Showrunner

Taylor Sheridan

Writers

Taylor Sheridan , Jill Wagner

Story By

Taylor Sheridan, Jill Wagner

Cast

Zoe Saldana , Nicole Kidman , Morgan Freeman , Laysla De Oliveira , Michael Kelly , Dave Annable , Jill Wagner , LaMonica Garrett , James Jordan , Austin Hébert

Seasons

2

Streaming Service(s)

Paramount+

15 'SEAL Team' (2017–2024)

Created by Benjamin Cavell

Created by Benjamin Cavell, the military procedural drama follows the Bravo Team, an elite unit of the United States Navy SEALs, where they strategize and undertake dangerous missions across the world while navigating the risk and the toll it takes on their personal lives. Bones star David Boreanaz helms the cast of SEAL Team as the Master Chief Special Warfare Operator Jason Hayes, the leader of the Bravo Team, with Max Thieriot, Jessica Paré, Neil Brown Jr., A. J. Buckley, and Toni Trucks portraying various members of the team.

SEAL Team's Jason Hayes might differ a great deal from Special Ops: Lioness's Joe, but they both undertake perilous tasks to ward off national threats. Along with high ratings and viewership, the series has earned two Primetime Emmy nominations for stunt coordination and music. The series has been praised for its compelling characters and authenticity to real-life experiences, contributed by former Navy SEALs, special operators, and veterans, included in its production. — Maddie P

SEAL Team

TV-14

Action

Adventure

Drama

War

Where to Watch

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Not available

*Availability in US

Release Date

September 27, 2017

Creator(s)

Benjamin Cavell

Cast

David Boreanaz , Neil Brown Jr. , A.J. Buckley , Justin Melnick , Toni Trucks , Tyler Grey , Max Thieriot , Judd Lormand , Jessica Pare , Dita The Hair Missile Dog , Parisa Fakhri , Alona Tal , Scott Foxx , Kerri Medders , Jamie McShane , Raffi Barsoumian , Mike Wade , Emily Swallow , Kaliayh Rhambo , C. Thomas Howell , Michaela McManus , Tim Chiou , Rachel Boston , Michael Irby , Ammon Jacob Ford , Lucca De Oliveira , Adelaide Kane , Dan Briggs , Beau Knapp , Mark Semos , Michael McGrady , Shiva Negar

Seasons

7

14 'The Night Agent' (2023–)

Created by Shawn Ryan

Created by Shawn Ryan (S.W.A.T),The Night Agent follows Gabriel Basso as the titular protagonist, Peter Sutherland, an FBI agent who works the night shift in the White House basement. Peter’s only job is to monitor the phone line for undercover agents, which barely ever rings, until one night, he answers a call sparking a chain of dangerous events and a major government conspiracy. Luciane Buchanan, Fola Evans-Akingbola, Hong Chau, and D.B. Woodside also feature in prominent roles.

Based on Matthew Quirk’s eponymous book, The Night Agent bears resemblance to similar action-packed political thrillers like Jack Ryan and/or Jack Reacher. While Basso’s Peter might not be the classic gentleman spy, it is his naivety, sincerity, and honesty that drive his character and the story’s narrative. The first season of The Night Agent opened to a great reception, becoming Netflix’s sixth-most-viewed series, with an all-new second season set to arrive in January 2025. — Maddie P

The Night Agent

TV-MA

Action

Drama

Thriller

Where to Watch

See Also

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Not available

Not available

*Availability in US

Release Date

March 23, 2023

Creator

Shawn Ryan

Cast

Gabriel Basso , Luciane Buchanan , Fola Evans-Akingbola , Sarah Desjardins , Eve Harlow , Phoenix Raei

Seasons

2

13 'Rabbit Hole' (2023)

Created by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa

Headlined by 24-star Kiefer Sutherland as the compelling protagonist, John Weir, Rabbit Hole is a political espionage series created by John Requa and Glenn Ficarra of This is Us fame. The series sees Sutherland’s John as an elite spy, who is known for his sharp skills and tactics, but when one of his missions goes wrong, John finds himself being accused of a crime he didn’t commit. In his attempt to clear his name and find the truth, John goes down a rabbit hole of a global-level political conspiracy that could shatter the very foundations of society.

While John Weir and Joe might not have much in common, they both have the same goal – to do the right thing, and it feels like a welcome return for Sutherland to the genre. With political corruption and conspiracy, deception, and high-level corporate espionage, Rabbit Hole has all the elements of a twisted political thriller. — Maddie P

Rabbit Hole

TV-MA

Drama

Action

Thriller

Where to Watch

• stream
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Not available

*Availability in US

Release Date

March 26, 2023

Cast

Kiefer Sutherland , Meta Golding , Enid Graham , Rob Yang

Seasons

1

12 'Condor' (2018–2020)

Created by Todd Katzberg, Ken Robinson, and Jason Smilovic

A spy series based on the novelSix Days of the Condor by James Grady and the 1975 film adaptation Three Days of the Condor, Condor follows a young CIA analyst named Joe Turner (Max Irons). Joe becomes a lone survivor after discovering a diabolical government plot, which results in the deaths of all of his coworkers. He must navigate a dangerous world of espionage, treachery, and betrayal while on the run and unsure of whom to trust.

Although the two series appear to have nothing in common at first glance, they both focus on the world of intelligence agencies and the difficulties operators encounter in learning the truth and avoiding danger. Themes of treachery, betrayal of trust, and the personal cost of taking part in high-stakes operations may also be touched within both.

Watch on AMC+

11 'Homeland' (2011–2020)

Created by Alex Gansa and Howard Gordon

Homeland follows CIA officer Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes) who becomes convinced that Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis), a U.S. Marine Sergeant who has been held captive by Al-Qaeda for eight years, has been turned and now poses a threat to national security.

Both shows feature strong female protagonists who struggle with personal concerns while attempting to achieve their mission. Thus, Homeland is the best option if you're seeking a female-led show in the genre of thriller. Moreover, the complexity of intelligence work, the hazy line between devotion and betrayal, and the psychological toll that such high-stakes missions may have on those involved are explored in Homeland, which is similar to Lioness.

Homeland

TV-MA

Crime

Drama

Mystery

Where to Watch

• stream
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Not available

*Availability in US

Release Date

October 2, 2013

Directors

Lesli Linka Glatter , Michael Cuesta

Cast

Claire Danes , Mandy Patinkin , Damian Lewis , Rupert Friend , Maury Sterling , F. Murray Abraham , Morena Baccarin

Seasons

8

10 'Alias' (2001–2006)

Created by J.J. Abrams

Alias follows Sydney Bristow (Jennifer Garner), a young woman who leads a double life as a CIA agent and a secret operative for a mysterious organization called SD-6. However, she eventually learns that SD-6 is actually a criminal organization, and she becomes a double agent for the CIA to bring it down.

Similar to Lioness, Alias likewise has a strong female lead and combines aspects of spy dramas with character-driven storytelling to produce an exciting and intriguing series. Alias, however, contains some science fiction components that make it a novel and intriguing substitute for fans of Lioness.

Alias

TV-14

Action

Adventure

Drama

Where to Watch

• stream
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• buy

Not available

See Also

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*Availability in US

Release Date

September 30, 2001

Creator

J.J. Abrams

Cast

Jennifer Garner , Michael Vartan , Victor Garber , Ron Rifkin , Carl Lumbly , Kevin Weisman , Rachel Nichols , Amy Acker

Seasons

5

9 'Deep State' (2018–)

Created by Matthew Parkhill and Simon Maxwell

Deep State follows a former MI6 agent named Max Easton (Mark Strong), who is forced out of retirement and back into the world of espionage. Max is drawn into a web of conspiracies, power struggles, and dark secrets within the deep state - the hidden and influential networks of power that operate behind the scenes.

Like Cruz, Max must navigate several clandestine operations and international political events throughout the show. Furthermore, as he seeks to learn the truth about the risky deep-state plots, he is forced to deal with personal issues, such as his family's safety. The show explores themes of corruption, treachery, and the manipulation of international politics by strong and covert organizations, albeit it doesn't exactly resemble Lioness in every way. Nonetheless, it's an excellent option.

Watch on Fubo

8 'Shooter' (2016–2018)

Created by John Hlavin

Based on the novel Point of Impact written by Stephen Hunter and the 2007 film adaptation of the same name, Shooter follows Bob Lee Swagger (Ryan Phillippe), a highly skilled marksman and former Marine sniper. He is retired but is brought back into action when he is framed for an assassination attempt on the President of the United States.

Fans of Lioness can delight in another program with a Marine at its center, which features plenty of action, suspense, and political intrigue. Additionally, throughout the course of the series, Swagger must use his incredible sniper abilities and military training to avoid capture and outsmart those responsible for the conspiracy, which may serve as a nod to fans of the Lioness women.

Shooter

TV-14

Action

Adventure

War

Drama

Release Date

November 15, 2016

Creator(s)

John Hlavin

Cast

Ryan Phillippe , Shantel VanSanten , Cynthia Addai-Robinson , Omar Epps , Lexy Kolker , Jesse Bradford , Matt Shallenberger , Delaina Mitchell , Eddie McClintock , Gerald McRaney , Josh Stewart , David Marciano , David Andrews , Gina Gallego , John Marshall Jones , Felisha Terrell , Tom Sizemore , Beverly D'Angelo , Derek Phillips , Todd Lowe , Rob Brown , Patrick Sabongui , Eric Ladin , Michelle Krusiec , Mallory Jansen , Jaina Lee Ortiz , Tait Blum

Seasons

3

7 'Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan' (2018–2023)

Created by Carlton Cuse and Graham Roland

Based on the fictional character created by author Tom Clancy, Jack Ryan follows the titular character, played by John Krasinski, a former Marine turned CIA analyst, as he is thrust into the world of international espionage and counter-terrorism.

Jack Ryan can strongly remind fans of Special Ops: Lioness show because it is based in the same world of espionage and features a Marine as the main character battling a rising terrorist icon in a dangerous and tense setting. Moreover, Michael Kelly, who played senior CIA supervisor Byron Westfield in Lioness, also played Mike November, the head of the CIA station in Venezuela in Jack Ryan. Thus, the Prime Video show is the top choice for an alternative.

Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan

TV-MA

Action

Drama

Thriller

Where to Watch

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Not available

*Availability in US

Release Date

August 31, 2018

Directors

John Krasinski

Cast

John Krasinski , Wendell Pierce , Abbie Cornish , Ali Suliman , Dina Shihabi , John Hoogenakker , Noomi Rapace , Jordi Molla , Francisco Denis , Cristina Umaña

Seasons

4

6 'Nikita' (2010–2013)

Created by Craig Silverstein

Directed by Joel Surnow of 24 fame, this action thriller series is a television adaptation of Luc Besson’s 1990 French film La Femme Nikita. Nikita follows the titular protagonist, a skilled assassin and spy who goes rogue and escapes a secret government-run agency known as “Division,” and returns after three years in hiding to bring it down. The series stars Maggie Q (Designated Survivor) as the titular assassin, showcasing a strong performance of the central character, which earned her great acclaim. Shane West, Lyndsy Fonseca, Aaron Stanford, and Melinda Clark also star in other main roles.

Nikita boasts slick, action-packed sequences with solid spy thriller elements. With a femme fatale at the heart of the story, it’s easy to draw parallels between Q’s Nikita Maers and Saldaña’s Joe and the kind of assignments they undertake. During its four-season run, Nikita earned a generally positive reception for its action choreography, sound editing, and Q and West’s on-screen chemistry. — Maddie P

Nikita

Action

Drama

Where to Watch

• stream
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Not available

Not available

*Availability in US

Release Date

September 9, 2010

Cast

Maggie Q , Shane West , Lyndsy Fonseca , Aaron Stanford , Melinda Clarke , Noah Bean , Devon Sawa

Seasons

4

5 'Killing Eve' (2018–2022)

Created by Phoebe Waller-Bridge

For those looking for an uber-stylish spy thriller, Killing Eve is as perfect as it can get. Based on Luke Jennings’ novel series, Villanelle, the BBC show adaptation follows Eve Polastri, an MI5 analyst, recruited for an off-the-record investigation into an international assassin, Villanelle. As they keep crossing paths in a cat-and-mouse game, Eve develops an increasingly strong obsession for Villanelle, and both women become desperate to know each other intimately, losing focus on their respective missions.

Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer star as the hunter and the hunted, respectively, in stellar performances that earned them several nominations and awards, including a BAFTA for Comer and a Golden Globe for Oh. Killing Eve became an instant hit, with Villanelle and Eve’s love-hate chemistry and characterization becoming the key allure of the story, and Villanelle's style statement becoming iconic fashion moments. Spread across four seasons, the spy thriller series is seductive, surprising, darkly funny, and quirky at every turn. — Maddie P

Killing Eve

Drama

Thriller

Where to Watch

• stream
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Not available

*Availability in US

Release Date

April 8, 2018

Cast

Sandra Oh , Fiona Shaw , Kim Bodnia

Seasons

4

4 'Berlin Station' (2016–2019)

Created by Olen Steinhauer

Berlin Station takes place in Berlin, Germany, and focuses on the work of the CIA operatives stationed there. The primary storyline follows Daniel Miller (Richard Armitage) a young and ambitious CIA officer who is sent to the Berlin Station under the cover of a new assignment. His mission is to uncover the identity of a whistleblower who is leaking classified information about the CIA's operations.

Due to his enthusiasm and drive for his profession as well as the danger involved in his covert mission, Daniel may serve as a reminder to Cruz's fans. In a similar vein to Lioness, the series dives into the personal and professional lives of the CIA operatives stationed in Berlin, exploring their motivations, allegiances, and the moral and ethical difficulties they encounter while working.

Buy on Apple TV

3 'Quantico' (2015–2018)

Created by Joshua Safran

Quantico revolves around a group of young FBI recruits who are training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. It primarily focuses on Alex Parrish (Priyanka Chopra) as she becomes entangled in a complex web of conspiracies while also dealing with her personal and professional relationships.

Since Quanticoalternates between two timelines—the present and the past—to depict a more comprehensive picture of the characters and the circumstances they find themselves in, it may be reminiscent of Lioness. In addition, Quantico addresses a variety of topics, including terrorism, espionage, loyalty, and identity, making it a fantastic substitute for Lioness.

Quantico

TV-14

Crime

Drama

Mystery

Thriller

Release Date

September 27, 2015

Creator(s)

Joshua Safran

Cast

Priyanka Chopra , Josh Hopkins , Jake McLaughlin , Aunjanue Ellis , Yasmine Al Massri , Johanna Braddy , Tate Ellington , Graham Rogers , Anabelle Acosta , Russell Tovey , Pearl Thusi , Blair Underwood , Marlee Matlin , Alan Powell

Seasons

3

2 'The Little Drummer Girl' (2018)

Directed by Park Chan-wook

Based on the novel of the same name by John le Carré, The Little Drummer Girl is a 2018 miniseries that follows Charlie, played by Florence Pugh, a young and talented actress who becomes embroiled in a complex espionage operation as she is recruited by an intelligence officer named Martin Kurtz (Michael Shannon).

Charlie and Cruz play very similar roles because they both serve as undercover agents for the terrorist group, taking on new identities. Moreover, identity, loyalty, and the moral challenges of undercover work are some of the topics explored in Little Drummer Girl. It also delves into the psychological toll that espionage can take on individuals and highlights the blurred lines between right and wrong in the world of spycraft.

Watch on Amazon Prime

1 'Covert Affairs' (2010–2014)

Created by Matt Corman and Chris Ord

Covert Affairs follows Annie Walker (Piper Perabo), a young and talented CIA trainee who is unexpectedly promoted to field operative. She becomes an intelligence officer for the CIA and takes on dangerous missions around the world.

Cruz's fans may be reminded of Annie by their strong personalities and commitment to finishing the work in spite of the mission's dangers. Additionally, Annie is responsible for obtaining intelligence, infiltrating criminal organizations, and negotiating tricky international espionage, much like Laysla De Oliveira’s character. Moreover, Covert Affairs examines Annie's relationship with her CIA handler Auggie Anderson (Christopher Gorham), which is quite comparable to Cruz and Joe's relationship.

Covert Affairs

TV-14

Drama

Action

Adventure

Release Date

July 13, 2010

Creator(s)

Chris Ord , Matt Corman

Cast

Piper Perabo , Christopher Gorham , Kari Matchett , Peter Gallagher , Hill Harper , Anne Dudek , Sendhil Ramamurthy , Dylan Taylor

Seasons

5

Watch on Peacock

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