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 5 – Summary
Animal Kingdom Season 5 continues the high-stakes drama of the Cody family as they navigate new threats and shifting alliances. With Smurf gone, the brothers struggle for control of the family business, each with their own vision for the future.
Pope grapples with his violent tendencies and the weight of past actions while trying to step into a leadership role. Deran faces pressure from both his business and personal life, including unresolved tensions with Adrian. Craig tries to balance fatherhood with his reckless lifestyle, often clashing with Renn.
J, now more calculating than ever, maneuvers to take full control of the Cody empire, playing his uncles against each other. The arrival of a dangerous new enemy, a cartel-connected smuggler named Pete, forces the Codys to work together despite their distrust.
Flashbacks reveal young Smurf’s early days building her criminal empire, showing her ruthless ambition and the origins of her complicated relationships with her sons. As the season progresses, betrayals and violence escalate, leaving the family more fractured than ever.
The explosive finale sets up a deadly new chapter, with J making a bold power move that could change the Cody dynasty forever. Loyalties are tested, and no one is safe as the Codys face an uncertain future.