Who is the main protagonist of Special Ops: Lioness?
Lioness
Updated Aug 31, 2026
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Contains spoilers: none
Direct answer
Joe McNamara, played by Zoe Saldaña, is the main protagonist of the series. She runs the CIA’s Lioness program, while Cruz Manuelos is the major co-lead of Season 1’s undercover mission.
Detailed explanation
## Joe is the series lead
The show follows Joe’s work running the Lioness program as well as the strain it puts on her personal life. She remains the central character across the series.
## Why Cruz can seem like the lead
In Season 1, Cruz is the recruit sent undercover, so a lot of the action follows her. She’s best seen as a co-protagonist for that season rather than the overall lead of the show.
## The title change
Season 1 was released as Special Ops: Lioness, while later material shortens the title to Lioness. It’s the same show and continuity.
The show follows Joe’s work running the Lioness program as well as the strain it puts on her personal life. She remains the central character across the series.
## Why Cruz can seem like the lead
In Season 1, Cruz is the recruit sent undercover, so a lot of the action follows her. She’s best seen as a co-protagonist for that season rather than the overall lead of the show.
## The title change
Season 1 was released as Special Ops: Lioness, while later material shortens the title to Lioness. It’s the same show and continuity.
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