Watch Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom is a gritty, intense crime drama that first premiered on TNT in June 2016. The series is based on the 2010 Australian film of the same name, and it follows the criminal exploits of the Cody family as they try to stay one step ahead of the law and each other.

At the heart of the series is Smurf Cody, played by Ellen Barkin. She is the matriarch of the Cody family and runs her criminal empire with an iron fist. Smurf is tough, manipulative, and has no qualms about using her own sons as pawns in her criminal schemes. Her sons' names are Baz (Scott Speedman), Pope (Shawn Hatosy), Craig (Ben Robson), and Deran (Jake Weary). Baz is the de facto leader of the Cody boys, but his loyalty to Smurf is starting to come into question. Pope is the eldest son, and he is the most volatile and unpredictable of the group. Craig is the wildcard of the family, and Deran is the youngest and least experienced in the criminal underworld.

The show takes place in the beach town of Oceanside, California, where the Cody family is part of a larger criminal network that controls the local drug trade. As the series progresses, the Codys find themselves embroiled in a number of dangerous situations, including power struggles within their own family and conflicts with rival gangs.

The show's ensemble cast is impressive, with each actor delivering compelling performances. Barkin's portrayal of Smurf is particularly noteworthy, as she manages to be both terrifying and vulnerable at the same time. Speedman also does an excellent job as Baz, playing the role with a quiet intensity that perfectly captures the character's conflicted loyalties.

The younger members of the cast hold their own as well. Finn Cole plays J, Smurf's grandson and the reluctant newcomer to the family's criminal activities. He is the show's main protagonist and serves as the audience's entry point into the world of the Cody family. Daniella Alonso plays Catherine, Baz's girlfriend and the mother of his daughter. She is a stabilizing force in the show's chaotic world and provides a moral counterbalance to the Codys' criminal activities.

The show is not afraid to delve into dark subject matter, and it does a good job of balancing the gritty crime drama with moments of levity and humanizing the characters. The show also does a good job of exploring the dynamics of family, particularly the ways in which the Codys' criminal lifestyle has affected their relationships with each other.

Animal Kingdom's production value is also worth noting. The show's beach town setting is visually striking, and the cinematography is top-notch. The show's use of music is also noteworthy, with a soundtrack that features a mix of contemporary and classic rock songs that add to the show's overall atmosphere.

Over the course of its six seasons, Animal Kingdom maintained a consistent level of quality and remained engaging throughout. The show's finale managed to wrap up the story in a satisfying way, leaving fans with a sense of closure while still leaving some loose ends for viewers to ponder.

In conclusion, Animal Kingdom is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and mature, character-driven storytelling. With a top-notch cast, compelling storylines, and impressive production value, the show is one of TNT's best offerings of recent years.

Animal Kingdom is a series that is currently running and has 6 seasons (75 episodes). The series first aired on June 14, 2016.