A. Overview of the show and its popularity

Animal Kingdom is an American television drama that first premiered on TNT on June 14, 2016. The series is based on the 2010 Australian film of the same name and has gained a significant following since its debut. With its compelling characters, gripping storyline, and stunning scenery, Animal Kingdom has become an instant favorite among audiences.

The show revolves around the Cody family, a fictionalized version of the notorious crime family living in Oceanside, California. Led by their matriarch, Smurf Cody, and her sons Pope, Craig, Deran, and Baz, the family engages in various illegal activities such as theft, armed robbery, and drug trafficking. The series explores the dynamics of the family as they navigate the criminal underworld and deal with internal conflicts.

B. Brief synopsis of the series

The first season introduces the audience to the Cody family and their newest member, J, who joins the family after the death of his mother. As J becomes more involved in the family’s criminal activities, he finds himself torn between his biological family and the surrogate family he has come to know.

Over the course of the show’s six seasons, Animal Kingdom has captivated viewers with its thrilling plot twists, complex characters, and dark family drama. Each season has brought new challenges and betrayals, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.

Despite the show’s popularity, there have been no official announcements regarding a potential seventh season of Animal Kingdom. However, fans remain hopeful for the show’s continuation and eagerly await any updates from the network.

It is important to note that while a seventh season has not been confirmed, the show’s creators have ensured that the sixth season will serve as a fitting conclusion to the series. The final season premiered on June 19, 2022, with two back-to-back episodes, promising a thrilling and explosive finale.

For fans looking to catch up on previous seasons, Animal Kingdom is available to stream on TNT’s website and Hulu. The show’s compelling characters and gripping storyline make it a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and family sagas.

Overall, while the future of Animal Kingdom beyond its sixth season remains uncertain, the show has left an indelible mark on its audience with its thrilling narrative and compelling characters. Fans will have to wait and see whether the Cody family will return for another season, but until then, they can revisit the previous seasons and relive the excitement of this captivating series.

II. The Announcement of Season 6 as the Final Season

A. TNT’s decision to end the show

Fans of the hit crime drama series “Animal Kingdom” were in for a surprise when TNT announced that the sixth season of the show would be its final season. Although the show had a loyal fanbase and had been well-received by critics, the decision to end it after six seasons came as a disappointment to many.

TNT, the network that aired “Animal Kingdom,” made the decision to wrap up the show with its sixth season. While the exact reasons behind this decision are not publicly known, it is not uncommon for networks to end shows after a certain number of seasons to make way for new content and keep the network’s lineup fresh.

B. Comments from the show’s creators and cast members

Following the announcement of the show’s conclusion, the creators and cast members of “Animal Kingdom” shared their thoughts and feelings about the show’s journey and its final season. Showrunner Daniele Nathanson expressed her gratitude towards the dedicated fanbase and the team behind the show. She stated, “We’re grateful to everyone who has made Animal Kingdom successful through its six seasons. Thank you all for your love and support.”

Cast members such as Shawn Hatosy, who played Andrew “Pope” Cody, also shared their thoughts on social media. Hatosy mentioned that while it was sad to see the show come to an end, the talented writers had crafted a fitting conclusion for the Cody family. He assured fans that there were still 26 episodes left to enjoy and that they could expect an exciting and satisfying finale.

The announcement of the show’s conclusion has sparked discussions among fans about the possibility of a spinoff or continuation of the “Animal Kingdom” story. While there have been no official announcements regarding a spinoff, some cast members have expressed interest in exploring their characters’ earlier days or delving deeper into the world of the Cody family.

As the final season of “Animal Kingdom” unfolds, fans can anticipate an emotional and action-packed journey for the Cody brothers. The show’s creators have promised a proper and fulfilling conclusion that will give closure to the storylines and characters audiences have come to love.

III. Reactions from Fans and Critics

A. Fan disappointment and reactions on social media

The series finale of Animal Kingdom left fans divided and feeling a mix of emotions. Many fans expressed their disappointment with the ending, feeling that there were unresolved plotlines and wanting more from the show. They took to social media platforms like Reddit to share their thoughts and discuss the finale.

On the Animal Kingdom subreddit, fans started threads to express their disappointment and even vent their frustrations. Some fans mentioned that they had high hopes for the final season but felt let down by the execution. They criticized the writing, noting that there were too many holes and lazy time fillers with no new information. Others specifically mentioned that they missed the presence of certain characters, such as Smurf, and felt that the show changed after their departure.

Despite the disappointment, there were still fans who expressed their love for the show and its overall storyline. They praised the performances of the cast and the gripping nature of the series. Some fans even suggested potential storylines and spinoffs that could continue the Animal Kingdom universe.

B. Critics’ opinions on the show’s ending

Critics also had their own opinions on the finale of Animal Kingdom. While the reception was mixed, some critics acknowledged the impact and intensity of the final episode. They commended the show for its unflinching portrayal of characters involved in crime and the consequences they faced.

One notable aspect that critics mentioned was the unpredictable nature of the finale. The plot twists and shocking moments kept viewers on the edge of their seats and provided a fitting end to the series. The performances of the cast were praised, with particular emphasis on the lead actor’s portrayal of J and his complex journey throughout the show.

In terms of the overall series, critics mentioned that Animal Kingdom had its highs and lows over the course of its run. They highlighted the strong early seasons and the dynamic between the characters, particularly with the presence of Smurf. However, some critics felt that the show lost its momentum in later seasons and struggled to maintain the same level of intensity.

Overall, the finale of Animal Kingdom provoked strong reactions from both fans and critics alike. While some fans were disappointed with the ending, others appreciated the unpredictable nature of the show and its portrayal of complex characters involved in crime. The opinions on the show’s finale and its overall impact varied, ultimately highlighting the subjective nature of audience reception.

IV. Speculation and Hopes for a Season 7

As fans anxiously await news about the future of Animal Kingdom, speculation and hopes for a potential Season 7 are running high. Many viewers are eager to see the story continue and explore new plotlines and character developments. Here’s a look at some of the speculations and desires surrounding the possibility of a Season 7.

A. The possibility of a spinoff or continuation

With the conclusion of Season 6, fans are wondering if there will be a spinoff or continuation of the series. While there is no official confirmation at the moment, the door is not completely closed. The show has gained a dedicated fanbase and has been praised for its compelling characters and gripping storylines, making it a potential candidate for future projects. TNT General Manager Brett Weitz has expressed interest in a spinoff, stating that if the cast and showrunners are willing, there could be a slot on the air for a new Animal Kingdom project.

B. Fans’ theories and desires for future storylines

Fans have come up with various theories and desires for what they would like to see in a potential Season 7 of Animal Kingdom. Some of the popular ideas include:

1. Exploring the next generation: Fans are curious to see how the younger characters, such as Smurf’s grandsons J and Deran, would continue the family legacy and navigate the criminal underworld.
2. New alliances and conflicts: Viewers would like to see the Cody family forging new alliances or facing off against other criminal organizations, adding fresh dynamics and challenges to the storyline.
3. Flashbacks and backstory: There is a desire to delve deeper into the past of the characters, including Smurf and other deceased family members, through flashbacks or prequel storylines to uncover untold secrets and provide a richer understanding of their motivations.
4. Redemption arcs: Some fans hope to see certain characters, like the troubled Pope or the impulsive Craig, going through a redemption arc and finding a path towards personal growth and redemption.

While these are just a few examples, the possibilities for future storylines are endless, and fans are excited to see where the show could potentially go in a Season 7.

As of now, there is no official news regarding a Season 7 of Animal Kingdom. However, fans continue to express their enthusiasm and hope for the show’s future. In the meantime, viewers can catch up on previous seasons and relish the explosive conclusion of Season 6.

V. Insights from the Show’s Cast and Crew

A. Interviews and statements from the cast and producers

As fans eagerly await news about a possible seventh season of Animal Kingdom, many have turned to interviews and statements from the show’s cast and crew for insights. Although there has been no official announcement regarding a renewal, several key figures have shared their thoughts on the show’s legacy and future.

In an interview, Shawn Hatosy, who plays Pope Cody on the show, expressed his gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support throughout the series. He also confirmed that the sixth season of Animal Kingdom would provide a proper finale for the Cody family and that the writers would tie up loose ends, leaving viewers with a satisfying conclusion.

Similarly, executive producer Daniele Nathanson acknowledged the pressure to deliver a good conclusion for a show that has garnered a dedicated following. She emphasized that Animal Kingdom has been an exciting, adrenaline-filled series that combines elements of a fun crime drama with a dark family narrative. Nathanson hopes that the show will be remembered for its exploration of intergenerational trauma and the bond between brothers.

B. Their thoughts on the show’s legacy and future

While the cast and crew have expressed their gratitude for the show’s success and the support from fans, there has been no official confirmation regarding a potential seventh season. The decision to conclude the series with the sixth season appears to have been a deliberate choice to provide a satisfying finale.

As fans voice their desire for a continuation of the story, it remains uncertain whether there will be a season 7. The show’s legacy will be determined by its impact on viewers and its lasting place in the television landscape.

To stay updated on the latest news and information about Animal Kingdom, fans can follow the show’s official Twitter account and visit the show’s website. Additionally, the trailer for season 7, if released, can be found on the show’s site as well as online platforms such as YouTube and Vimeo.

While the future of Animal Kingdom remains uncertain, the show’s compelling characters, thrilling storylines, and dedicated fan base have cemented its status as one of the best television series in recent years. Whether a seventh season is on the horizon or not, the legacy of Animal Kingdom will continue to resonate with viewers for years to come.

VI. Conclusion

A. Final thoughts on the show’s ending and its impact

The sixth season of Animal Kingdom marked the end of the series, leaving fans with mixed emotions. While some viewers found the finale satisfying, others were disappointed by the unresolved storylines and unanswered questions. Nevertheless, the show has made a lasting impact on its audience with its gripping plotlines, complex characters, and intense family dynamics.

The decision to end the series was not taken lightly, and executive producer John Wells explained that the intention was to provide a conclusion that would satisfy both the audience and the characters. He wanted to ensure that after six seasons of investing in the show, viewers would not be left feeling unsatisfied or lacking closure.

Throughout its run, Animal Kingdom garnered a dedicated fan base who were captivated by the performances, writing, directing, and soundtrack. The show received critical acclaim, with nominations and awards, including a Golden Globe nomination for Best Television Series – Drama.

B. Reflections on the journey of Animal Kingdom and its characters

Animal Kingdom was based on the 2010 Australian film of the same name by David Michôd. The series followed the fictionalized Cody crime family, led by matriarch Smurf and her four criminal sons. The show explored themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of a life of crime. It delved into the complex relationships within the family and the struggles faced by J, who found himself torn between his biological family and the criminal underworld.

Over the course of six seasons, audiences witnessed the evolution of the Cody family, their rise and fall, and the impact of their actions on themselves and those around them. Each character brought a unique dynamic to the show, with standout performances from Ellen Barkin as Smurf, Finn Cole as J, and Shawn Hatosy as Pope. The writing and character development allowed viewers to connect with and understand the motivations and complexities of the Cody family members.

As the series concluded, fans were left with lasting memories of the intense and emotional journey of Animal Kingdom. While the show may have come to an end, its impact will continue to resonate with its dedicated fan base.

Overall, while there may not be a season 7 of Animal Kingdom, the show’s legacy lives on through its gripping storytelling, memorable characters, and thought-provoking examination of the consequences of a life of crime.