Series synopsis
Lioness is a drama war & politics television series that premiered on M-Net on January 28, 2021. It ended on March 30, 2023. It was created by Ilse van Hemert. It stars Shannon Esra, Natasha Sutherland, Gerald Steyn and Nokuthula Ledwaba.
Cruz Manuelos, a rough-around-the-edges but passionate young Marine, is recruited to join the CIA's Lioness Engagement Team to help bring down a terrorist organization from within. Joe, the station chief of the Lioness program, is tasked with training, managing and leading her female undercover operatives.
Premise
Cruz Manuelos, a rough-around-the-edges but passionate young Marine, is recruited to join the CIA's Lioness Engagement Team to help bring down a terrorist organization from within. Joe, the station chief of the Lioness program, is tasked with training, managing and leading her female undercover operatives.
Premise: Backing down is not in her nature.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Shannon Esra as Samantha Hugo
- Natasha Sutherland as Megan Hugo
- Gerald Steyn as Anton Marais
- Nokuthula Ledwaba as Amo Twala
- Frank Rautenbach as Jason Hugo
- Jazzara Jaslyn as Miranda Hugo
- Jacques Bessenger as Adrian Hugo
- Terrence Ngwila as Sifiso Twala
Supporting cast
- Avianah Abrahams as Caitlyn Hugo
- Fiona Ramsay as Charlotte Lawson
- Joshua Daniel Eady as Liam Hugo
- Ilana Cilliers as Yvette Smith
- Evan Hengst as Brian Sutton
- Pulane Rampoana as Bonolo Mahlaba
- Ditebogo Ledwaba as Lesedi Twala
- Carla Classen as Bianca Curtis
- Vinette Ebrahim as Vera
- Carl Beukes as Max
- Ayden Croy as Kevin
- Theo Landey as Thomas Fletcher
Guest cast
- Jack Devnarain as Howard Chetty
- Sanli Jooste as Emma Marais
- Caleb Payne as Boy Liam
- Melania Camilla Niemand as Todler Caitlyn
- Itumeleng Morobela as Sergeant Mmolawa
- Charlotte Butler as Mrs Grant
- Paige Bonnin as Felicity
- Kutlwano Sibekwane as Girl Lesedi Twala
- Xolani Xaba as Scelo Twala
- Cynthia Makhubela as Mary
- Emily Mokhupi as Hlubi
- Perebo George as Sergeant Dlamini
Episodes
This series spans 3 seasons with 28 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 10 | January 28, 2021 | April 1, 2021 |
| Season 2 | 10 | January 26, 2023 | March 30, 2023 |
| Season 3 | 8 | August 1, 2026 | September 20, 2026 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Spy Forty-four-year old Samantha Hugo emerges from prison, determined to reunite with her long-lost children, 24-year-old Miranda, 21-year-old Liam, and 11-year-old Caitlyn, but her efforts are unexpectedly sabotaged. Eight years before, someone is spying on the Hugo family. |
January 28, 2021 |
| 2 |
Betrayal Sam finds out the priority crimes unit is about to tear her family apart, forcing her to choose between love and her children. In the future, Sam is excited to hear Liam is returning from Cape Town, but their encounter has an unexpected outcome. Sam demands a meeting with Caitlyn, but behind the scenes, Megan is a puppet master at work to keep Caitlyn for herself. |
February 4, 2021 |
| 3 |
Liam Sam gets shocking news about her missing husband, and she must face the music alone. When Sam follows Liam into the Jo'burg CBD, she discovers her son is in the clutches of a drug dealer, and she must rely on the skills she learned in prison to try and save him. |
February 11, 2021 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Verdict After the chaotic events eighteen months ago that involved burying a body, faking a death, kidnapping, and so much more, Sam faces a judicial panel about to rule on her fate. |
January 26, 2023 |
| 2 |
Bianca The Hugo siblings are surprised by Sam's response to Jason's offer. Sam goes to see Anton in prison, and he shares with her what he has discovered about Jason. As she exits, Sam encounters an old enemy. |
February 2, 2023 |
| 3 |
Caitlyn Sam spells out her plan to her family. As they leave NGO, someone with a grudge against Sam is waiting to make a move. After an encounter with a stranger, Megan starts to connect the dots and confronts Jason. |
February 9, 2023 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Episode 1 | August 2, 2026 |
| 2 | Episode 2 | August 9, 2026 |
| 3 | Episode 3 | August 16, 2026 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | M-Net |
|---|---|
| First aired | January 28, 2021 |
| Last aired | March 30, 2023 |
| Status | ended |
| Schedule | Thursday |