The Shocking True Story Behind ‘Lioness’—Yes, the Program Was Actually Real
Discover the real military program that inspired Taylor Sheridan's hit Paramount+ series
Special Ops: Lioness, the gripping Taylor Sheridan drama, certainly packs a punch. Whether it’s the storylines that keep us coming back episode after episode, the talented cast that bring his complex characters to life or the writing that allows these folks to shine, we’re counting down the days until Season 3 finally hits our screens. It was in 2023 that this series first aired, and while it might seem like something out of the inner-workings of Taylor Sheridan’s masterful television brain, the idea for the series was pitched to him by none other than actress Jill Wagner, who plays the part of Bobby in the show—and you’ll be even more surprised to know that the Lioness program that this series revolves around is actually based on a real military group. Here, read all about the fascinating backstory behind Taylor Sheridan’s hit series, Special Ops: Lioness.
How Jill Wagner pitched ‘Lioness’ to Taylor Sheridan
For Jill Wagner’s entire life, she’s had a great admiration for the military, having been raised in a military family and married to a man who serves. As a matter of fact, it was her partner, David Lemanowicz, who first told her about the Lioness program. “From that moment on, I knew there was a story to tell,” the actress told Parade. “It took about five years, but I never gave up.” For Wagner, she knew that Taylor Sheridan was the person for the job, and eventually, she pitched him the idea. “Taylor Sheridan was my old acting coach, and I had access to him. Taylor writes in such an honest and raw way. I didn’t want this show to become Barbies with guns. I wanted it to represent the women I knew and respected in the military, and he’s done that brilliantly,” she shared.
The real-life Lioness program is as intense as it’s shown on screen
After Special Ops: Lioness premiered, many were left wondering where the idea for this series came from—and were surprised to learn it was inspired by a real unit within the US Marines. In Iraq and Afghanistan, Muslim beliefs and cultural customs meant that male Marines were not able to interact with women within these communities. Through Task Force Lioness or the Female Engagement Team, women in the military were, and therefore could build rapport and gather valuable information that the males otherwise would not have access to—much like the Taylor Sheridan series portrays.
More ‘Lioness’ intensity is in the works
If you’ve been a fan of the first two seasons, you’ll be thrilled to know that Season 3 of Special Ops: Lioness is in the works. And while plot details are still under wraps, we can celebrate the real women warriors whose courage and dedication continue to inspire us—both on screen and in service to our country. Their stories remind us that true strength comes in many forms, and sometimes the most powerful heroes are the ones working quietly behind the scenes.
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