Netflix viewers are staying up until 3am binge-watching all six seasons of Animal Kingdom, a gripping crime drama that has earned an 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and 8.2 out of 10 from IMDb audiences.
The show came to prominence after a woman asked on TikTok for a "dangerously addictive Netflix series to watch that will have me staying awake until 3am begging for another episode." Many social media users recommended Animal Kingdom, an American crime drama starring Ellen Barkin and Scott Speedman.
What is the plot?
The series, based on the 2010 Australian film of the same name, follows 17-year-old Joshua "J" Cody (Finn Cole). He moves in with his estranged, criminal family in Southern California after his mother dies from a heroin overdose.
The story revolves around the Cody family's criminal exploits and elaborately planned heists. The family is dominated by Janine "Smurf" Cody (Ellen Barkin), a manipulative matriarch who orchestrates her sons' unlawful enterprises. J's uncles comprise the menacing eldest son Pope (Shawn Hatosy), the unstable middle son Craig (Ben Robson), the troubled youngest son Deran (Jack Weary), and Smurf's adopted confidant Baz (Scott Speedman).
Critical acclaim and fan praise
The programme aired from 2016 to 2022. During its four-year tenure, it garnered recognition from multiple award bodies, including Saturn Award and Golden Reel nominations.
Fans appreciate its captivating suspense, high-tension family relationships and commend the pulse-racing robberies, alongside its briskly-paced narrative. Ellen Barkin earns considerable praise for her unsettling and authoritative depiction of the controlling matriarch Smurf, with Shawn Hatosy's powerful turn as Pope equally lauded.
Throughout its six-season run, the Cody clan carry out armed heists, splinter due to internal treachery, endure Smurf's demise, and confront the devastating consequences of their history. All six seasons of Animal Kingdom are available to stream on Netflix UK.
