Behind the Scenes of TV’s Most Realistic Combat Action

Clear Facts

• The cast of Taylor Sheridan’s “Lioness” undergoes month-long boot camps before each season with training from actual Navy SEALs, Green Berets, and Delta Force operators
• Actress Jill Wagner revealed the show maintains at least one technical advisor on set at all times to ensure accuracy in weapons handling and tactical movements
• Season three of the Paramount+ series is currently airing with action sequences that set new standards for television combat realism

The cast of Taylor Sheridan’s hit Paramount+ series “Lioness” doesn’t just show up and pretend to be elite operators. They earn it through intense, month-long boot camps that would humble most actors.

The CIA and military drama series is currently airing its third season, and the combat sequences continue to set the standard for television. While other shows rely on shaky cameras and quick cuts to hide poor tactics, “Lioness” puts real training on full display.

Actress Jill Wagner, who plays Bobby on the series, recently appeared on “The Gold Shields Show” to pull back the curtain on just how much work goes into making the action feel authentic.

“We train for a month prior. He puts you through basically a boot camp and we have our whether it be a SEAL or Green Beret or Delta Guy, whatever, they come out and they help us and they really work with us,” Wagner explained.

“And these are people that are, I mean, I look at these guys, I’m like, ‘You guys are extremely patient people.’ Because we are actors. We are not operators like we are trying our best to play but I think we are all very aware that we, you know, we are not the real deal but in order to portray it, like you you have to go through, for us, we have to go through a month if not more training.”

The training doesn’t stop when filming begins. Wagner emphasized that maintaining these skills requires constant practice and oversight from experienced military advisors.

“And that’s just for the technical side of things. That’s just for the gun side of things. And then as you know, I’m sure you guys know, it’s a perishable skill,” Wagner continued.

“So if you’re not shooting every day, if you’re not doing something, you can forget and you can pick up bad habits. So, our technical advisors, there was at least one on set at all times, if not two, and we would go over all of our choreography and, you know, wear those guys out with questions.”

This level of dedication stands in stark contrast to most Hollywood productions, where authenticity often takes a back seat to convenience. Wagner acknowledged this difference.

“You know, a lot of these shows don’t have technical advisors there behind the camera every single day watching every move that all of us do,” she said.

The actress also revealed she underwent a significant physical transformation to look the part of an elite operator, demonstrating the show’s commitment to realism extends beyond just weapons handling.

The results speak for themselves. Season three’s premiere episode delivered combat sequences that feel grounded in reality rather than Hollywood fantasy. The movements, the tactics, the weapons handling—all of it reflects the month of intensive preparation the cast undergoes.

This commitment to authenticity resonates with viewers who appreciate when entertainment respects the real operators it portrays. While no television show can perfectly replicate the skills of SEAL Team 6 or Delta Force, “Lioness” makes an honest effort that honors those who serve.

Sheridan’s approach demonstrates what’s possible when creators prioritize substance over shortcuts. The investment in proper training and constant technical oversight pays dividends in every frame of action.

For audiences tired of unrealistic Hollywood gun handling and tactical nonsense, “Lioness” offers something refreshing: a show that respects both its subject matter and its viewers’ intelligence.

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