The television show “Animal Kingdom” is like a blend of “Peaky Blinders” and “Breaking Bad.” It centers around a violent California crime clan, led by the stern matriarch Janine “Smurf” Cody, portrayed by Ellen Barkin. Her sons admire her in a way reminiscent of Ma Barker, seeking her wisdom and strategic advice to manage their treacherous environment. However, their refusal to allow each other peace without the family’s control often results in heartache and calamity.
As a passionate fan myself, I’ve got to share my excitement about “Animal Kingdom.” This captivating series ruled TNT for six seasons, airing from 2016 to 2022, and amassing an impressive 75 episodes. It transformed into one of the cable network’s top-tier dramas during its tenure. Fast forward three years after it bid adieu on television, “Animal Kingdom” has been exploding in popularity on Netflix, with viewers discovering its binge-worthy allure. If you’re considering joining the legion of fans, let me fill you in on everything you need to know before diving headfirst into this thrilling saga!
What is Animal Kingdom based on?
The TV show “Animal Kingdom” originated from a 2010 Australian movie with the same title and similar characters, but with several alterations in the main storyline. Just like the series, the narrative starts when teenager Joshua “J” Cody (played by James Frecheville) shifts to live with his grandmother, the powerful mob figure Janine “Smurf” Cody (portrayed by Jacki Weaver), after the death of his mother. J gets entangled in a web of crime as he meets his uncles – Andrew “Pope” Cody (Ben Mendelsohn) who is on the run, drug dealer Craig Cody (Sullivan Stapleton), and the youngest brother Darren Cody (Luke Ford). Barry “Baz” Brown (Joel Edgerton) acts as the family’s enforcer and usually leads the team during their robberies that have drawn police attention.
Initially, simple-minded and defenseless character J finds himself adopting the ruthless and unscrupulous lifestyle of the Cody family, which both Pope and Darren, along with Craig, find appealing. Despite Pope’s disdain and jealousy towards J, Baz aspires to lead an honest life but is cut short by a police officer’s shooting. Consequently, the Codys exact their violent retribution on the police, placing J in a precarious position between his desire for a normal life with Nicky (Laura Wheelwright) and supporting his newfound family. Ultimately, J must decide whether to testify against the Codys or secure their release from prison. Although it may appear that the Cody family emerges victorious in this scenario, the choice ultimately leads to the dissolution of the family and costs J his moral integrity.
The Australian adaptation of “Animal Kingdom,” said to be influenced by the true story of the Pettingill family, garnered significant acclaim: It accumulated eighteen nominations at the Australian Film Institute Awards, taking home ten of those honors. At the time, both the number of nominations and wins set AFI records. Moreover, it was recognized as one of the top independent films of 2010 by the National Board of Review Awards. Jacki Weaver’s captivating performance gained international recognition, earning her best supporting actress nominations at both the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards.
What is Animal Kingdom about?
In its adaptation, “Animal Kingdom” on TV shares some basic elements with its Australian counterpart. The series opens as J (Finn Cole), following his mother’s death from a heroin overdose, moves in with his grandmother Smurf (Ellen Barkin). In Oceanside, California, life proves far from simple for the 17-year-old, as he learns that his new family is involved in illegal activities. This includes Smurf and J’s uncles – Deran (Jake Weary), Pope (Shawn Hatosy) who seems off balance, and Craig (Ben Robson) who is reckless; they run a criminal operation spanning from robberies to fencing. In this rendition, Baz Brown (Scott Speedman) is both Smurf’s adopted son and her enforcer.
Whenever a family member attempts to live an honest life, manipulative yet skilled matriarch Janine pulls them back into the family’s chaos. If eliminating a romantic partner or two is necessary, she sees no issue. However, changes are brewing. Baz begins to doubt Janine’s authority; Pope struggles with his return from prison; Deran finds himself in love with a man named Adrian (Spencer Treat Clark) and aims to lead an honest life through owning a bar and competitive surfing. Yet, Janine disrupts their plans, compelling the Codys to face long-suppressed frustrations and conflicts amidst skydiving adventures and sunny Californian beach waves.
Who stars in Animal Kingdom?
In the series “Animal Kingdom,” Ellen Barkin portrays the character of Janine “Smurf” Cody, a powerful mob matriarch. Barkin initially gained recognition in the 1982 film “Diner” and subsequently appeared in numerous movies over several decades, with significant roles including her Golden Globe-nominated performance in the 1991 comedy “Switch.” Flashbacks reveal younger depictions of Janine; Rimea Kasprzak (“Man with a Plan”) plays her as a child, while Leila George (“Mortal Engines”) portrays her as an older teenager and young adult.
Baz Brown is portrayed by Scott Speedman, recognized currently for his roles as Dr. Nick Marsh in “Grey’s Anatomy” and Matthew Engler in “You”, while he also played characters in the “Underworld” films during the 2000s. Andrew “Pope” Cody is portrayed by Shawn Hatosy, previously known for his performance as Detective Sammy Bryant in “Southland”. Craig Cody is played by Ben Robson, who gained fame for his role as Lagertha’s ally Kalf in “Vikings”. Lastly, Deran Cody is portrayed by Jake Weary, who also appeared as Christos in Season 2 of “The Walking Dead: Dead City.
In the role of J Cody is Finn Cole, recognized by viewers of crime drama series, having previously portrayed Michael Gray in “Peaky Blinders.” During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in February 2025, he discussed the contrasts and shared aspects between the two characters, stating:
“I found both roles fascinating, but J was significantly more mysterious and desensitized than Michael. He was much more fractured. Consequently, when it comes to acting, there was a tad more room for exploration with Michael, yet J also possessed unique qualities that made him an intriguing character to portray.
Molly Gordon, who portrays J’s girlfriend Nicky, also appears regularly on the popular FX show “The Bear.” Other actors in the cast include Carolina Guerra from “Narco Soldiers,” Daniella Alonso from “Criminal Minds,” and Spencer Treat Clark from “Manhunt.
Why was Animal Kingdom cancelled?
As a passionate gamer and avid viewer of TNT’s content, I can vividly recall how “Animal Kingdom” held a significant place in their original programming lineup back in the day. But then, something changed. In reality, it wasn’t just “Animal Kingdom”; many other great shows fell victim to a significant transformation within TNT during the 2020s.
Instead of continuing to produce fresh, original content, TNT gradually leaned more towards airing reruns of classic dramas and comedies, snippets from theatrical films, and coverage of sporting events. It’s a shift that I, along with many other fans, found disappointing.
However, I’m grateful to say that “Animal Kingdom” was given the opportunity to wrap up its story in a proper manner. Although it’s always tough when a beloved show comes to an end, especially abruptly, Season 6 provided us with a fitting conclusion for this outstanding series.
Around the same period, “Claws” finished, and “Snowpiercer”, TNT’s last original production, shifted to AMC to wrap up its series following its cancellation in 2023. Since then, the network hasn’t produced any original content. However, with the NBA shifting to prime-time coverage on NBC starting from the 2025-2026 season, there’s a possibility that TNT might reconsider its programming strategy, though it’s unlikely this will happen anytime soon. For now, the plan is to fill the schedule predominantly with reality and game shows, along with sporting events and sports-themed programs. As Jason Sarlanis, TNT’s president, told Deadline, “The sports audience is unmatched on Earth.
Why is Animal Kingdom ruling Netflix right now?
As a devoted Netflix enthusiast, I must admit that the surge in popularity of “Animal Kingdom” during summer 2025 took me by surprise. It’s tricky to pinpoint the precise reasons behind this unexpected rise, as none of the actors have achieved unprecedented career milestones that might prompt fans to explore the series.
The show’s themes are indeed captivating, yet there seems to be no specific aspect that makes it resonate particularly strongly with the current cultural climate. Instead, I believe the secret ingredient behind its sudden success lies in one factor: the undeniable affection of Netflix subscribers for gripping dramas.
Over time, Netflix has transformed into a hub for intense and highly praised dramas such as “Narcos,” “Ozark,” “The Queen’s Gambit,” “Black Doves,” “Dead to Me,” “You,” and “Unbelievable.” Notably, Netflix is the only platform in the U.S. that offers “Peaky Blinders,” a show that shares some similarities with “Animal Kingdom.” It’s likely that viewers who have recently finished watching “Peaky Blinders” might seek out “Animal Kingdom” to satisfy their appetite for crime family dramas.
It’s possible that the surge in popularity of “Animal Kingdom” on Netflix could be attributed to Netflix itself. Many viewers mentioned discovering the series by chance on the platform, suggesting that Netflix may have recommended it following some of their more popular shows. Additionally, the fact that “Animal Kingdom” quickly climbed into the top 10 after being added to Netflix’s library could indicate that its novelty played a role in its success.
Why is Animal Kingdom rated TV-MA?
If you have teenagers and are thinking about watching “Animal Kingdom” together, be mindful that the program exceeds its TV-MA rating and may only be suitable for mature viewers. The series contains a significant amount of violence, including on-screen murders with graphic depictions of blood, as well as other forms of abuse, such as child abuse. Additionally, there is explicit language, although the show generally avoids frequent use of the F-word. Lastly, there are romantic scenes between characters, some of which involve simulated sex and partial nudity.
Animal Kingdom” receives the TV-MA rating due to its frequent depiction of substance abuse, as evidenced by IMDb’s parents guide labeling it as severe for alcohol, drugs, and smoking. Characters are shown using marijuana, cocaine, and abusing prescription drugs. The show is not suitable for viewers under 17 years old. However, if you’re an adult seeking a complex portrayal of a woman struggling to maintain control over her family amidst difficult circumstances, then you might find it appealing.
How critics feel about Animal Kingdom
As I write this in 2025, the popularity of Netflix’s “Animal Kingdom” series continues unabated. This trend might spur a new flurry of reviews on critique platforms, potentially influencing overall ratings, especially since the later seasons received less initial review coverage. At Rotten Tomatoes, Seasons 1 and 2 are certified fresh with scores of 76% (from 34 reviews) and 80% (from five reviews), respectively. However, fewer reviews exist for Seasons 3 and 4, with only four and one reviews each. Despite the limited number of reviews, the show has generally garnered high praise from critics who have seen it.
A significant amount of recognition went to Ellen Barkin for her powerful portrayal as the dominant matriarch, Smurf. Tim Grierson from The Wrap stated that “Barkin brings a gritty appeal to Smurf, which masks a fierce protectiveness towards her offspring and a hidden strength.” Meanwhile, Daniel D’Addario of Time magazine expressed that “Barkin is giving an exceptional performance. Barkin’s portrayal of Smurf combines predatory instincts with a menacing sexuality, revealing both her ravenous appetite and the threat she poses.
Critics who gave unfavorable reviews to the show still acknowledged Barkin’s exceptional portrayal of Smurf as a complex and realistic human character rather than a cartoonish caricature. Some even drew parallels between the dysfunctional family in the show and the Teller-Morrow clan from “Sons of Anarchy,” while many pointed out the frequent appearances of the Cody brothers without shirts. David Wiegand from SFGate humorously quipped that all the muscular Cody brothers and their nephew would likely starve if every restaurant enforced a ‘no shirt, no service’ policy.
Viewers like Animal Kingdom more than the critics
Fans and critics alike have highly praised the TV show “Animal Kingdom.” In fact, fan reviews are even more glowing. On Rotten Tomatoes, three out of six seasons have an audience rating above 90%. For instance, Season 2 boasts a nearly perfect score of 97% from over a hundred reviews, and Seasons 1, 3, and 6 all have scores above 80%. However, the lowest score belongs to Season 5 with a respectable 71%. The reason for this lower rating is that Ellen Barkin, who played a significant character named Smurf, left the show at the end of Season 4. Many fans were disappointed by Smurf’s departure.
As a dedicated viewer, I found the switch between Smurf’s past and present in Season 5 to be quite distracting. It didn’t keep my interest at all, which is unfortunate because they could have stopped there with the flashbacks. One Rotten Tomatoes user echoed my sentiment, stating, “Each time it went back to young Smurf, I hit fast forward. It was significantly better without those flashbacks.” Another user concurred, “The show would’ve been even better if they had skipped the flashback scenes featuring young Smurf altogether.” Despite the mixed reviews from critics, “Animal Kingdom” still maintains an impressive IMDb rating of 8.2.
Will Animal Kingdom ever return?
If “Animal Kingdom” maintains its strong performance on Netflix, it may lead to a seventh season of the show. It’s worth noting that TNT previously showed interest in producing more episodes of the series. In an interview with Deadline before the finale, Brett Weitz, then-network executive, mentioned that he was awaiting input from executive producer John Wells. He stated: “When he decides there’s a logical continuation for the show or spinoff, not only is my door open, but there might even be a timeslot ready for him to utilize.
The news brought joy to Animal Kingdom enthusiasts, but unfortunately, it didn’t turn out as expected. Weitz is no longer associated with TNT; he moved on to work at X as Global Head of Content, Talent, and Brand Sales, eventually leaving in 2025. Meanwhile, Wells has immersed himself in the medical drama series “The Pitt,” making a return to Animal Kingdom unlikely due to time constraints. Additionally, it’s worth noting that the show wrapped up the Cody family’s story quite conclusively – fans are still grappling with their feelings about the finale years later. Yet, there are possibilities for a spin-off to continue the narrative.
One intriguing possibility for a sequel or spin-off series could involve delving into J’s fresh start following his escape. Intriguingly, it’s revealed that his scheme to flee and rebuild his life using the tainted Cody family funds succeeded. Unbeknownst to many, J has harbored resentment towards the Codys for his mother’s death since day one, and he’s been plotting his retaliation all along. As the closing credits unfold, the Cody dynasty lies in ruins, and J stands solitary by a poolside somewhere in the idyllic Virgin Islands. Could it be that one day we’ll witness J constructing his own criminal empire in this tropical paradise? Time will tell – in the interim, explore our recommended series similar to “Animal Kingdom” that are worth your time.
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2025-06-11 19:31