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Lioness Season 3 Episode 4
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Lioness Season 3 Episode 4 "Murder Hornets" premieres August 23 on Paramount+. Joe's plan to provoke Russia sets up a frantic hunt and family strain.
Background
In Season 3, Joe McNamara (Zoe Saldaña) leads a CIA team against a Russian intelligence network. Episode 3 ended with Joe preparing to provoke the enemy by leaking the capture of a Russian agent, Oleksandra Balakin. Episode 4, titled "Murder Hornets," continues this plan, which is expected to stir the nest and reveal what comes flying out, while also dealing with the personal toll on Joe's family.
How it unfolded
- Aug 16, 2026Episode 3 airs, ending with Joe's plan to provoke Russia by leaking the capture of a Russian agent.
- Aug 17, 2026Recaps and previews for Episode 4 are published, detailing the upcoming episode's plot and themes.
- Aug 23, 2026Episode 4 "Murder Hornets" premieres on Paramount+ at 12am PT / 3am ET.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- The episode will feature a high-stakes rescue mission and a flashback that highlights domestic strain and an undercover operation.
- Caution
- One team member takes a shocking, irreversible step during an interrogation that shatters the Rules of Engagement, creating a dangerous liability.
Still unverified
Theories that Joe is in enemy hands and the team goes off-grid are speculative and not confirmed by official sources.