Common Sense Media Review
By Monique Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gritty military action series has stereotypes, violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Special Ops: Lioness
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 13 parent reviews
Parents say the show has a mix of decent role models and messages but is marred by excessive swearing, graphic nudity, and disturbing violence that makes it unsuitable for children and many adults. Despite a strong storyline and character development, many viewers are turned off by the inappropriate content and are frustrated with misrepresentation in reviews about the series’ suitability.
- excessive swearing
- graphic nudity
- inappropriate content
- disappointing portrayal
- mixed reviews
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 2 kid reviews
What's the Story?
SPECIAL OPS: LIONESS follows Joe (Zoe Saldana), the person in charge of the Lioness unit, which follows terrorist targets by having an undercover soldier befriend the women close to the target. After losing her previous undercover operative, Joe taps Cruz (Laysla De Oliveira), a woman who changed her life after joining the Marines, to join the program.
Is It Any Good?
This is an intriguing show for fans of the action genre, particularly fans of shows that focus on America's war in the Middle East. Unlike a lot of series, Special Ops: Lioness is female-focused, giving a new twist to the genre. But, similar to critiques about Homeland, which also has a female lead, it's worth asking if Special Ops: Lioness is only putting a feminist veneer to a series that potentially furthers biases against Middle Eastern people and the region as a whole.
For one, the series doesn't entirely move away from stereotypical depictions of the region and the focus on terrorism could make some viewers associate criminalistic behavior with all Middle Easterners. Also, a similar thing happens with scenes regarding Cruz's journey to the Marines. Viewers might also experience a double-down of bias against Latino people, who are already negatively stereotyped in the media. Overall, if you can separate yourself from negative portrayals, Special Ops: Lioness can be engaging for those who love shows about military espionage.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Joe handles the tough decisions she has to make. What does Joe do to cope with her job?
How are women portrayed in the series?
How is the Middle East portrayed in this series? Is it helpful or harmful?
How does Cruz overcome her previous dangerous life? How does joining the Marines help her?
How are Latino characters portrayed? Is it harmful or helpful?
TV Details
- Premiere date : July 23, 2023
- Cast : Zoe Saldana , Morgan Freeman , Nicole Kidman , Laysla De Oliveira
- Network : Paramount+
- Genre : Action
- Character Strengths : Courage
- TV rating :
- Award : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : February 16, 2026
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