In a significant move for its UK content library, Netflix has secured the streaming rights to the critically acclaimed crime drama Animal Kingdom, a series that has garnered an impressive 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes and sparked fervent discussion among viewers. Originally airing from 2016 to 2022, the popular show is now available to stream in its entirety on Netflix UK, offering subscribers a gripping tale of family, crime, and survival.
A Criminal Dynasty Comes to Netflix
Animal Kingdom follows the tumultuous lives of the Cody family, who operate a sophisticated criminal enterprise in Oceanside, California. The narrative centres on teenager Joshua 'J' Cody, portrayed by Finn Cole, who is forced to move in with his estranged grandmother, Janine 'Smurf' Cody, played by Ellen Barkin, following the tragic death of his mother. The series masterfully intertwines high-stakes heists with compelling flashbacks to the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, revealing the origins of Smurf's criminal empire and her younger self's ruthless ascent.
Critical Acclaim and Viewer Praise
The television adaptation of Animal Kingdom has been met with widespread critical and audience acclaim. On Rotten Tomatoes, one enthusiastic viewer described the show as 'Amazing show. Great writing, great characters, great cast, tragic ending.' Another concurred, stating, 'Amazing show definitely one if not the best show I've ever seen.' A third remarked, 'Amazing!! Such a great plot, amazing acting… so good!!' This consistent praise underscores the series' quality and its ability to captivate audiences with its intricate storytelling and powerful performances.
Comparisons to Peaky Blinders
Notably, the series has drawn frequent comparisons to the beloved BBC period crime drama Peaky Blinders, a connection made even more fitting by actor Finn Cole's prominent roles in both productions. Cole starred as Michael Gray in Peaky Blinders from 2014 to 2022, and his performance in Animal Kingdom has led some fans to argue that the latter surpasses its British counterpart. One Reddit user boldly claimed, 'Animal Kingdom blows Peaky Blinders out of the water,' while another added, 'Highly underrated show imo.' These comparisons highlight the show's intense narrative and complex character dynamics, which resonate deeply with fans of the crime genre.
Origins and Inspiration
Developed by Jonathan Lisco, Animal Kingdom is based on the 2010 Australian film of the same name, which featured a stellar cast including Guy Pearce, Ben Mendelsohn, and Joel Edgerton. The film's screenplay was itself inspired by real-life criminal activities allegedly committed by the Pettingill family of Melbourne, particularly the 1988 murders of two police officers, for which brothers Trevor Pettingill and Victor Peirce were accused. This gritty, true-crime foundation adds a layer of authenticity and depth to the series, grounding its dramatic events in historical reality.
Netflix's Expanding Superhero Catalogue
This acquisition follows Netflix's recent addition of another iconic series, Smallville, which aired from 2001 to 2011 and stars Tom Welling as a pre-Superman version of Clark Kent. The streaming platform now offers all ten seasons of this beloved superhero drama, allowing viewers to explore Clark's coming-of-age journey in high school and his evolution into adulthood at the Daily Planet. Fan reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with one describing it as 'the best superhero series ever written,' and others praising its blend of teen drama and Superman mythology. This dual acquisition of Animal Kingdom and Smallville significantly enriches Netflix UK's diverse content offerings, catering to fans of both intense crime sagas and superhero narratives.
With Animal Kingdom now streaming, UK audiences have the opportunity to delve into a series celebrated for its sharp writing, compelling characters, and dramatic heists, all while drawing intriguing parallels to other genre favourites. Its availability on Netflix marks a key addition to the platform's growing catalogue of acclaimed dramas, ensuring subscribers have access to high-quality entertainment that sparks conversation and delivers thrilling storytelling.
