Emmy-Nominated Series from ‘Yellowstone’ Creator Makes MENA Debut with All Episodes Dropping June 5
Dubai, UAE – 03 June 2025: In a major content acquisition that solidifies STARZPLAY’s position as the MENA’s premium streaming destination, the platform has secured exclusive MENA rights to “Special Ops: Lioness” – the critically acclaimed CIA thriller starring Avatar’s Zoe Saldaña, Oscar winner Nicole Kidman, and legendary Morgan Freeman.
The high-octane series, which has captivated global audiences with its unflinching portrayal of modern warfare and espionage, will launch exclusively on STARZPLAY on June 5, with all 16 episodes from both seasons available immediately.

A Powerhouse Cast in an Uncompromising Story
Created by Taylor Sheridan, the mastermind behind global phenomenon “Yellowstone” and “Sicario,” Special Ops: Lioness delivers the raw intensity that has become Sheridan’s signature. The series follows CIA operative Joe (Saldaña) as she navigates the brutal realities of the agency’s most classified program – recruiting female operatives to infiltrate hostile networks from the inside.
“This isn’t your typical spy thriller,” explains the show’s premise. “It’s about the invisible women who sacrifice everything – their identities, families, and safety – to protect national security. These are the stories that have never been told.”
Nicole Kidman commands the screen as senior CIA official Kaitlyn Meade, while Morgan Freeman brings gravitas to his role as Secretary of State Edwin Mullins. The cast is rounded out by breakout star Laysla De Oliveira as Marine Raider Cruz Manuelos, the latest recruit into the deadly Lioness program, and Michael Kelly as CIA operative Byron Westfield.
Streaming Details:
- Platform: STARZPLAY (exclusive in MENA)
- Launch Date: June 5, 2025
- Format: Complete box-set (16 episodes across 2 seasons)
- Availability: All episodes streaming from day one
For more information, please visit: www.starzplay.com
About STARZPLAY
STARZPLAY (www.starzplay.com) is the leading subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) service across the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan, delivering a premium mix of Hollywood blockbusters, exclusive original productions, Arabic series, popular Turkish dramas, live sports, and family-friendly programming.
With strategic partnerships including major global studios such as Warner Bros., Disney, Paramount, Sony, Lionsgate, AMC, BBC, Falcon Films, and Image Nation Studios—its primary production partner for STARZPLAY Originals—the platform offers an extensive library tailored specifically to regional tastes. STARZPLAY also provides top-tier Turkish content through collaborations with MADD TV, TRT, and ATV, and showcases elite live sports coverage including Italian Serie A, Dutch Eredivisie, UFC, cricket, rugby, boxing, golf, and basketball.
With over 2.3 million subscribers and more than 18 million app downloads, STARZPLAY is continually reshaping the digital entertainment landscape. The platform delivers high-quality streaming in HD and 4K on smart TVs, gaming consoles, and IPTV services, complemented by user-friendly iOS and Android apps supporting offline viewing. Leveraging advanced AI-driven recommendations and interactive offerings—including Fantasy Sports gaming, STARZ ON (ad-supported free streaming), and STARZPLAY Store (premium content rentals and purchases)—STARZPLAY ensures a personalized entertainment experience for every viewer.
Headquartered in Abu Dhabi with additional offices in the UAE and Pakistan, STARZPLAY is backed by renowned international and regional investors led by evision (part of e& Group), along with ADQ, Lionsgate, GE, and SEQ — further solidifying its market leadership across the MENA region and beyond.