Taylor Sheridan is stepping back in front of the camera. The prolific creator behind Yellowstone, Landman, Mayor of Kingstown, Tulsa King, and The Madison will appear onscreen in Season 3 of the Paramount+ spy thriller Lioness, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The appearance marks Sheridan’s most substantial acting role in the series to date. He previously made a brief cameo in Season 2 as CIA officer Cody Spears. This time, his involvement is expected to be more significant.

Sharing Scenes with Thad Luckinbill

Actor Thad Luckinbill, who plays CIA paramilitary officer Kyle McManus, confirmed Sheridan’s return and noted that the two share scenes in the new season.

“He’s involved. I mean, he has a role, which is great,” Luckinbill told The Hollywood Reporter. “And the show’s better for it when he plays a role.” He added that Sheridan “kills it” in the part.

Luckinbill, who previously worked with Sheridan on the 2018 military drama 12 Strong, described the creator’s approach as consistent across every role he takes on a production. “He’s so real,” Luckinbill said. “Whether he’s an actor, writer, director or a producer, he’s still the same guy.”

A Return to His Roots

Although Sheridan is now best known as one of television’s most successful writer-producers, acting was his original path in Hollywood. Before creating the Yellowstone universe, he appeared in series including Sons of Anarchy, Banshee, and Veronica Mars. He has also made occasional on-screen appearances in his own projects, including Yellowstone and 1883.

His decision to expand his presence in Lioness continues that pattern of occasionally stepping into the frame while maintaining heavy involvement behind the scenes.

Higher Stakes and Intensive Preparation

Co-star Matt Gerald, who plays Army Delta Force operator Cody J, indicated that Season 3 raises the intensity from the start. “It starts with a bang,” Gerald said. “It’s nonstop throughout the entirety of the season — and it ends with a bang.”

The cast underwent extensive military-style training before filming, including weapons drills, close-quarters combat, breaching exercises, and tactical movement under the guidance of former special operations personnel. The preparation reflects the series’ commitment to grounded, high-stakes action.

According to Paramount+, Season 3 follows Joe (Zoe Saldaña) as “hidden networks, foreign operatives and personal betrayals collide,” forcing her to confront a conflict that reaches into every part of her life.

Premiere Details

Lioness Season 3 premieres Sunday, August 2, on Paramount+.

Sheridan’s dual role as creator and performer remains relatively rare among high-level showrunners. His return to the screen in a more prominent capacity offers fans of both his writing and his earlier acting work another chance to see him operate on both sides of the camera — and, if early comments from the cast are any indication, the season is positioned to deliver the relentless pace Lioness viewers have come to expect.