11 Spy Thriller Shows Like 'Special Ops: Lioness'
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Special Ops: Lioness follows Zoe Saldaña as a CIA operative who heads the Lioness program as she tasks a rookie operative with befriending the daughter of a suspected terrorist. The show also stars Nicole Kidman, and even features Morgan Freeman as a guest star. For people who love spy thrillers, it's a gripping drama with a stellar cast. But so far, it's only had one season (and we're still waiting on an official renewal for Season 2), so fans of the show are likely looking for another female spy thriller to fill the void.
First off, we'd recommend checking out the rest of Taylor Sheridan's television shows, like Yellowstone and Mayor of Kingstown. While they don't share the same genre elements, filmmakers (in both television and movies) can often have similar tones and styles throughout their projects, as fans of, say, Shonda Rhimes or Ryan Murphy know.
But once you're through checking out Sheridan's other work, there's a whole host of female-led spy thrillers (or shows with similar premises). If you're looking for more CIA shows, Covert Affairs or Alias may be for you. Or if you want more politics than spy work, there's The Diplomat and Madam Secretary. While some shows on this list only had a few seasons, others have hours and hours of episodes, or are ongoing, meaning you could not only find a binge during the wait for Special Ops: Lioness Season 2, but you could find a new favorite show to add to your list as well.
Orphan Black
Tatiana Maslany (who recently led She-Hulk: Attorney at Law) stars in this sci-fi thriller about a woman who one day discovers she actually has not just one clone of herself, but multiple. And on top of that, it's all tied to a larger conspiracy she has to uncover in order to save herself and her newfound family.
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Alias
Jennifer Garner stars in Alias, which follows a double agent as she helps the CIA take down a powerful criminal organization. The series ran for five seasons, and received critical acclaim.
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Homeland
Claire Danes leads this award-winning spy drama about a CIA operative who suffers from bipolar disorder, and her relationship with a Marine she suspects is a threat to the United States. The series had eight seasons, winning Emmys and Golden Globes over the course of its run.
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Nikita
A woman escapes a secret government-funded organization and decides to bring it down in this CW series. Maggie Q starred throughout the show's four seasons.
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Killing Eve
Jodie Comer and Sandra Oh star in this cat and mouse spy thriller about a MI6 employee who chases down a female serial killer and ultimately becomes ensnared in their dangerous relationship.
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Kleo
An East German assassin is released from prison after the fall of the Berlin wall, and swears revenge against those who wronged her in this German drama. The series premiered on Netflix in 2022, and already has a second season on the way.
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Covert Affairs
You may have seen Piper Perabo in Yellowstone, but the actress is also known for her starring role in USA Network's Covert Affairs. The series follows Annie, a CIA agent who is thrust into undercover work, and has to adjust to the pressures of the role.
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Blindspot
This crime series focuses on the FBI and its discovery of a woman with no recollection of who she is. She's also covered in mysterious tattoos, all of which seem to be clues to various crimes. The series ran for five seasons.
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The Americans
Two KGB operatives pretend to live a regular American life while working against the US government in this acclaimed FX series starring Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys. The series won Emmys, Golden Globes, and even two Peabodys.
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Madam Secretary
While it doesn't focus on the CIA, Madam Secretary follows a former CIA operative and political professor who becomes the Secretary of State. The series tracks her career and later her political aspiration as she decides to run for president. It lasted for six seasons.
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The Diplomat
The Americans star Keri Russell returns to political drama with The Diplomat, which centers on the United States ambassador to the United Kingdom. The Netflix show is already renewed for a second season.
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