The gripping crime drama Animal Kingdom has surged into Netflix UK's top 10 rankings, captivating audiences with its intense portrayal of a Southern California crime family. Originally airing on TNT from 2016 to 2022, the series has found a new lease of life on the streaming platform, currently holding the impressive third spot for most-watched TV shows in the UK.
A Stellar Ensemble Cast
With an outstanding 8.2/10 rating on IMDb, Animal Kingdom follows the Cody family whose lavish lifestyle is bankrolled by their criminal enterprises. The show's success is undoubtedly bolstered by its remarkable ensemble of talented actors, many of whom viewers will recognise from other major television and film projects.
Familiar Faces in the Criminal Underworld
The series features several performers who have built substantial careers both before and after their time in the Cody family drama.
Finn Cole, who portrays the calculating Joshua 'J' Cody, is perhaps best known to British audiences for his role as Michael Gray in the BBC's iconic series Peaky Blinders. The London-born actor has since appeared in numerous projects including Last Breath and Dreamland alongside Margot Robbie.
Dichen Lachman joined the cast in season three as Frankie, appearing in 23 episodes total. The actress has recently earned widespread critical acclaim for her portrayal of Ms. Casey in Apple TV+'s psychological thriller Severance. Her extensive career includes roles in Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., the Jurassic World franchise, and cult classic Aquamarine.
Supporting Cast Members
The Cody family matriarch Janine 'Smurf' Cody is brought to life by veteran actress Ellen Barkin, whose impressive filmography includes Ocean's Thirteen and The Big Easy, along with television appearances in Modern Family and Poker Face.
Shawn Hatosy delivers a powerful performance as the troubled eldest brother Andrew 'Pope' Cody. Following his time on the series, Hatosy has taken roles in HBO's The Pitt and Chicago P.D., demonstrating his versatility across different genres.
Newcastle-born actor Ben Robson portrays the reckless Craig Cody, having previously appeared as Kalf in the historical drama Vikings. His recent projects include The Continental and the upcoming Netflix series Ransom Canyon.
Younger Generation and Love Interests
Leila George joined the series in 2019 to portray the younger version of Janine Cody in flashback sequences, appearing in 39 episodes. The Australian actress has since featured in Apple TV+'s Disclaimer and Netflix's The Beast in Me.
Jake Weary plays the youngest sibling Deran Cody, a former professional surfer. The actor and musician has recently starred in Netflix's The Waterfront and The Walking Dead: Dead City.
Spanish actress Christina Ochoa brings depth to the role of Renn Randall, Craig's primary love interest throughout the series. Ochoa balanced her time on Animal Kingdom with recurring roles in A Million Little Things and Valor.
Enduring Popularity
The show's resurgence on Netflix demonstrates the enduring appeal of well-crafted crime dramas with complex characters and compelling narratives. With six addictive seasons available for binge-watching, Animal Kingdom continues to attract new viewers while satisfying existing fans with its intricate plotlines and standout performances.
The combination of established veterans and rising stars has created a dynamic ensemble that elevates the material beyond typical crime drama fare. Each actor brings distinct qualities to their roles, contributing to the series' overall authenticity and emotional resonance.
As Animal Kingdom maintains its position in Netflix UK's top 10, audiences are discovering—or rediscovering—this gripping tale of family, loyalty, and criminal enterprise, all brought to life by one of television's most impressive casts in recent memory.
