Taylor Sheridan has established himself as a prolific figure in television, primarily recognized for his creation of the expansive Yellowstone universe. This franchise, which began with the acclaimed series Yellowstone, has led to several successful spin-offs, including 1883, 1923, and the highly anticipated 1944. Before venturing into television, Sheridan was a distinguished screenwriter and director, contributing to notable films like Sicario (2015), Hell or High Water (2016), and Wind River (2017), the latter of which he both wrote and directed.
In the wake of Yellowstone’s massive acclaim, Sheridan has significantly broadened his television portfolio. He’s the creative mind behind shows such as Mayor of Kingstown, which features Jeremy Renner and is gearing up for its fourth season, and Tulsa King, starring Sylvester Stallone, which returns for its third season. Most recently, Sheridan unveiled Landman, a new series featuring Billy Bob Thornton that is quickly capturing audience attention. Yet, one particular series is making a colossal impact on the streaming landscape.
Lioness: A Global Sensation on Netflix
Sheridan’s Productions Continue to Thrive
Lioness, a gripping series that premiered in 2023, has now surged into Netflix’s top 10 rankings following its debut. The series, which showcases Zoe Saldaña as Joe, the commander of a CIA initiative deploying female operatives to infiltrate enemy territories, features a star-studded cast including Nicole Kidman, Dave Annable, Laysla De Oliveira, and Morgan Freeman. While the first season received mixed critical feedback, the second season, released last October, garnered a much warmer reception, achieving an average Rotten Tomatoes score of 73%.
Recent insights from Netflix indicate that season 1 of Lioness ranks as the sixth most-watched English-language series worldwide for the week of April 14-20. The show amassed an astonishing 3.4 million views, translating to a total of 20 million hours viewed. Additionally, Lioness made it into the top 10 in 22 countries, claiming the number one spot in three nations: the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago.
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Netflix Top 10 TV Shows Globally (Apr. 14 – 20) |
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|---|---|---|
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Rank |
Title |
Total Views |
|
1 |
Black Mirror: Season 7 |
10.6M |
|
2 |
Ransom Canyon: Season 1 |
7.2M |
|
3 |
Adolescence |
6M |
|
4 |
Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing: Season 1 |
4.2M |
|
5 |
A Discovery of Witches: Season 1 |
3.4M |
|
6 |
Lioness: Season 1 |
3.4M |
|
7 |
Pulse: Season 1 |
3.2M |
|
8 |
The Diamond Heist |
3.1M |
|
9 |
Raw: 2025 – April 14, 2025 |
2.9M |
|
10 |
North of North: Season 1 |
2.7M |
While Lioness is not available for streaming on Netflix in the U.S., it can still be watched on Paramount+, where the series originated.
Implications for Lioness’ Future
Is a Third Season on the Horizon?
The final episode of Lioness season 2 aired on December 8, 2024, and as of now, there has been no official announcement regarding a third season. The season finale did not suggest the end of the series, which offers hope for its continuation. Paramount’s decision to renew Lioness for a third season will likely depend heavily on its viewership figures on Paramount+, taking into consideration the series’ growing popularity on Netflix.
Interestingly, only season 1 of Lioness is currently available on Netflix, opening up a pathway for viewers to subscribe to Paramount+ to catch up on season 2. This transition may significantly improve the chances of securing a third season renewal. Although Lioness’ future remains uncertain, the series is evidently resonating with a broader audience through its availability on a platform with extensive global reach, surpassing that of Paramount+.
Source: Netflix