Animal Kingdom is a crime drama TV series that premiered in 2016. It follows the Cody family, a tight-knit but dangerous clan living in Southern California. The show is loosely based on the 2010 Australian film of the same name.
The story begins when 17-year-old Joshua “J” Cody moves in with his estranged grandmother, Janine “Smurf” Cody, after his mother dies of a heroin overdose. Smurf is the matriarch of the family and controls her adult sons with a mix of manipulation and affection. The Codys survive by pulling off high-stakes heists and criminal jobs.
J quickly gets drawn into the family’s illegal activities. He learns the ropes from his uncles: Pope, the unstable and violent eldest; Craig, the reckless thrill-seeker; and Deran, the youngest, who struggles with his identity. Smurf keeps them all under her thumb, using money and emotional leverage to maintain control.
As J becomes more involved, he starts questioning his place in the family. He navigates loyalty, betrayal, and his own ambitions while trying to survive in their dangerous world. The series explores themes of power, family bonds, and the consequences of a life of crime.
Over six seasons, the Codys face internal conflicts, rival gangs, and law enforcement. Smurf’s grip on the family weakens as tensions rise, leading to explosive betrayals and violent confrontations. The show blends intense action with deep character drama, keeping viewers hooked until its dramatic conclusion.
Animal Kingdom – TV Series – Season 3 – Summary
Season 3 of Animal Kingdom picks up with the Cody family dealing with the fallout from Smurf’s arrest. As she fights to regain control of her empire from behind bars, the power dynamics within the family shift. J, Deran, and Craig struggle to maintain their independence while navigating Smurf’s manipulative tactics.
J continues to assert himself, taking on more responsibility in the family’s criminal operations. His growing ambition puts him at odds with his uncles, especially Deran, who resents J’s increasing influence. Meanwhile, Deran faces personal challenges as he grapples with his sexuality and his turbulent relationship with Adrian.
Craig’s reckless behavior escalates, leading to dangerous situations. His drug use and impulsive decisions strain his relationships with the family and his girlfriend, Renn. Pope remains the most unpredictable, wrestling with his violent tendencies and loyalty to Smurf.
Smurf, ever the puppeteer, uses her legal troubles to test her sons’ loyalty. She manipulates them from jail, ensuring they remain dependent on her. The season builds to a high-stakes heist that tests the family’s unity, ending with shocking betrayals and a major death that leaves the Codys reeling.
The tension between J and Smurf reaches new heights, setting the stage for an even more explosive Season 4. The Cody family’s bonds are stretched to the limit as trust erodes and everyone fights for their own survival.
Animal Kingdom – TV Series – Season 3 – Trailer
