Netflix subscribers in the United Kingdom are being urged not to overlook what many are calling a television masterpiece, as the critically acclaimed crime drama Animal Kingdom has now been added to the platform's extensive streaming library.
A Gripping Family Saga of Crime and Loyalty
The series, which became available from approximately 8am on February 3rd following the streamer's daily title updates, presents all episodes from its complete six-season run. The show's narrative centres on Joshua 'J' Cody, a young man who relocates to Southern California to live with his estranged grandmother, Janine 'Smurf' Cody, after his mother dies from a heroin overdose.
A Dangerous New World
J soon discovers the shocking reason he was kept away from his grandmother for years. Smurf, the formidable family matriarch, along with her three sons—the mentally unstable ex-convict Pope, the hyperactive drug user Craig, and the perpetually suspicious Deran—sustain their lavish lifestyle through meticulously planned armed robberies and various other criminal enterprises.
To survive in this treacherous environment, J must demonstrate unwavering loyalty to his beguiling and manipulative grandmother, who governs her clan with a potent, borderline-incestuous form of love that blurs the lines between family devotion and control.
From Cult Classic to Streaming Sensation
Originally airing from 2016 to 2022, Animal Kingdom is an adaptation of the Australian film of the same name, which was written and directed by David Michôd. The series has garnered an impressive 88% fan score on the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, with a passionate fanbase championing its quality.
Praise from Devoted Viewers
Enthusiastic viewers have flooded online forums with praise, with some asserting it surpasses other iconic dramas in the genre. One fan declared online, "One of the best shows I've ever seen. I loved Ozark, Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, but Animal Kingdom is better. It's phenomenal!"
Another admirer on Reddit confessed, "Just finished Animal Kingdom. I can’t believe I slept on this masterpiece... what a ride." This sentiment was echoed by a binge-watcher who stated, "I just finished binging the entire series on Netflix, and I’m genuinely having withdrawals. The storytelling, the intensity, the family dynamic, everything just pulls you in deeper. It was addictive from the first episode to the last."
A Deeply Layered and Underrated Gem
Fans have particularly highlighted the show's compelling narrative arc and standout performances. One commentator celebrated the series finding a new audience, noting, "Animal Kingdom is phenomenal. The story is gritty, intense, and deeply layered, with brilliant performances, especially from Ellen Barkin as the fierce and manipulative matriarch."
They elaborated further, praising the show's construction: "The family dynamics are raw and captivating, and the suspense never lets up. Every season builds smartly on the last, keeping you hooked with complex characters and unexpected twists. It's one of the most underrated crime dramas out there."
With all six seasons now accessible on Netflix UK, subscribers have the opportunity to experience the full, addictive journey of the Cody crime family, a series that has cemented its reputation as a must-watch for fans of intense, character-driven drama.
