A ‘Lioness’ Vs ‘Reacher’ Showdown Seems All But Guaranteed for Late 2026

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I’ve been completely hooked by Jack Reacher lately, and honestly, it feels like nothing can stop him – not on TV, and definitely not in the books! It’s hard to even compare it to other action thrillers right now. I enjoyed The Night Agent well enough, but let’s be real, Peter Sutherland wouldn’t stand a chance against Reacher. And honestly, I think most other action heroes on TV would fall pretty quickly too.

While Reacher has been a huge success, Lioness is proving to be a strong competitor. Created by Taylor Sheridan, this military drama has consistently improved, with many considering its second season to be one of the best on television. Though it doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, Lioness is gaining a dedicated following. Fans will be thrilled to hear that Season 3 has finished filming and is expected to arrive later this year, promising a compelling battle for viewers with Reacher.

‘Lioness’ Season 3 Will be Extraordinary, According to the Cast

Zoe Saldaña plays Joe McNamara, a high-ranking CIA officer who leads the Lioness program. This covert operation uses female agents to get close to the women connected to enemy targets – building relationships to locate, expose, and ultimately neutralize those targets. Production on the five-month shoot in Texas has now finished!

According to cast members Jill Wagner and James Jordan, the upcoming season of the show promises to be fantastic. Wagner shared on Instagram that it’s “Epic” and praised creator Taylor Sheridan as both a talented writer and a great leader. Jordan echoed that sentiment, hinting Season 3 will be more expansive than before, with the characters traveling to many different locations. It sounds like a thrilling, international adventure!

While Paramount+ hasn’t announced a specific date, the new season is expected around the end of the year, similar to when Season 3 of Reacher will be released. Considering Taylor Sheridan’s shows are usually made quickly, a 2026 release feels pretty certain. Fans of Sheridan’s interconnected shows will be pleased to hear familiar faces are joining the cast: Ian Bohen (Yellowstone) will play a Delta Force K9 handler, and Elizaveta Neretin (Mayor of Kingstown) will appear as a spy.

‘Reacher’ and ‘Lioness’ Are In the Same Weight Class

While shows like Reacher, Jack Ryan, and The Night Agent are similar, Lioness is its strongest rival. This matters because, in fighting, a larger competitor generally has an edge. Essentially, physics tells us that force is equal to mass times acceleration ($F = ma$), so a heavier fighter can deliver a much more powerful blow.

Compared to most action thrillers, Reacher stands out for its intense fight scenes. Lioness is the only other show that comes close in terms of action per minute. Despite Reacher sometimes being called a show for older viewers, it shares a similar feel and format with Lioness. While Reacher is often seen as a story about a lone hero, Jack Reacher frequently relies on help from friends and colleagues, much like Joe McNamara. It’s fitting that a popular line from the show is now, “You don’t mess with the special investigators.”

Both shows are deeply connected to military life. While Lioness centers on a CIA unit, it often features interactions with soldiers, including one character who is a Force Recon Marine. Jack Reacher’s background as a former Army military police major continues to be valuable in his work. These shows prioritize bringing criminals to justice rather than exploring the hardships of war, and viewers seem to appreciate that. Beyond that, they’re both engaging thanks to their strong storylines and impressive visuals. Keep an eye out for both later this year.

Which show will have the stronger season?

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2026-03-27 21:40