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Beyond the Codys: Riveting TV Shows Like Animal Kingdom You Should Watch

TNT’s hit drama, *Animal Kingdom*, captivated audiences for six seasons with its intense portrayal of the Cody family, a criminal enterprise ruled by the formidable matriarch, Smurf. The show’s blend of family dynamics, high-stakes heists, and sun-soaked Southern California backdrop created a unique and addictive viewing experience. But what happens when the credits roll on the final episode? Fear not; there are plenty of other **tv shows like Animal Kingdom** that offer similar thrills, complex characters, and morally ambiguous narratives. If you are looking for **tv shows like Animal Kingdom**, this article will help you find the best options to keep you entertained.

Family, Crime, and Complicated Relationships: More TV Shows Like Animal Kingdom

The core appeal of *Animal Kingdom* lies in its exploration of dysfunctional family dynamics within a criminal underworld. Several other series delve into similar themes, offering viewers a comparable level of intrigue and suspense.

Sons of Anarchy

FX’s *Sons of Anarchy* is perhaps the most frequently cited comparison to *Animal Kingdom*, and for good reason. This gritty drama revolves around the SAMCRO motorcycle club, a tight-knit group involved in illegal activities in a small California town. Much like the Codys, the members of SAMCRO are bound by blood, loyalty, and a shared code, even as internal conflicts and external threats constantly test their bonds. The show explores themes of brotherhood, betrayal, and the consequences of a life lived outside the law. The complex characters and morally gray decisions are what make *Sons of Anarchy* a worthy watch if you enjoyed **tv shows like Animal Kingdom**.

Similarities: Family-based crime syndicate, exploration of loyalty and betrayal, morally ambiguous characters, California setting.
Differences: Motorcycle club setting, focus on a specific subculture, more pronounced themes of brotherhood and tradition.

Ozark

Moving away from the sunny shores of California, Netflix’s *Ozark* transports viewers to the dark and dangerous world of money laundering in the Missouri Ozarks. When financial advisor Marty Byrde’s scheme goes wrong, he must relocate his family and launder millions of dollars for a Mexican drug cartel to save their lives. Like *Animal Kingdom*, *Ozark* features a family forced into a life of crime, grappling with the moral compromises they must make to survive. The Byrdes’ descent into the criminal underworld is fraught with tension, betrayal, and unexpected alliances, making it a gripping and suspenseful watch. Many viewers find that *Ozark* is one of the best **tv shows like Animal Kingdom**.

Similarities: Family forced into criminal activity, high-stakes money laundering, exploration of moral compromises.
Differences: Focus on financial crime, darker and more atmospheric setting, emphasis on the consequences of decisions.

Queen of the South

USA Network’s *Queen of the South* follows Teresa Mendoza, a young woman who rises through the ranks of a Mexican drug cartel after her drug-dealing boyfriend is murdered. Forced to flee for her life, Teresa learns to navigate the treacherous world of drug trafficking, becoming a powerful and ruthless leader in her own right. Like Smurf Cody, Teresa is a strong and resourceful woman who defies expectations and commands respect in a male-dominated environment. The show offers a glimpse into the inner workings of a drug cartel, exploring themes of power, ambition, and survival. If you enjoy strong female leads in **tv shows like Animal Kingdom**, then *Queen of the South* is for you.

Similarities: Focus on a powerful female lead in a criminal organization, exploration of drug trafficking, themes of survival and ambition.
Differences: Focus on a single protagonist’s journey, more international setting, emphasis on the rise to power.

Peaky Blinders

Transporting us to post-World War I Birmingham, England, *Peaky Blinders* tells the story of the Shelby family, a notorious gang known for their razor-sharp caps. Led by the cunning and ambitious Thomas Shelby, the Peaky Blinders control the city’s underworld, engaging in illegal activities such as gambling, protection rackets, and smuggling. Like the Codys, the Shelbys are a close-knit family bound by loyalty and a shared desire for power. The show offers a stylish and atmospheric portrayal of a bygone era, exploring themes of class, ambition, and the lingering effects of war. Many fans claim that *Peaky Blinders* is one of the most stylish **tv shows like Animal Kingdom**.

Similarities: Family-based criminal organization, exploration of power and ambition, morally ambiguous characters.
Differences: Historical setting, focus on a specific subculture (British gangs), more emphasis on political and social issues.

Heists, Thrills, and Adrenaline: More TV Shows Like Animal Kingdom

Beyond the family drama, *Animal Kingdom* is known for its thrilling heists and adrenaline-pumping action sequences. If you’re looking for shows that offer a similar dose of excitement, consider these options:

Sneaky Pete

Amazon’s *Sneaky Pete* follows Marius Josipović, a con man who assumes the identity of his former cellmate, Pete Murphy, to evade a dangerous gangster. Posing as Pete, Marius becomes embroiled in the lives of Pete’s estranged family, who are unaware of his true identity. As Marius navigates this new world, he uses his con artist skills to protect himself and his newfound family, while also trying to stay one step ahead of his pursuers. *Sneaky Pete* offers a blend of suspense, humor, and intricate plot twists, making it an engaging and entertaining watch. If you want **tv shows like Animal Kingdom** with a twist, then watch *Sneaky Pete*.

Similarities: Focus on crime and deception, complex characters with hidden agendas, elements of suspense and thriller.
Differences: Focus on a con artist protagonist, more emphasis on humor and lightheartedness, less emphasis on family dynamics.

Blindspot

NBC’s *Blindspot* centers on a mysterious woman, Jane Doe, who is found in Times Square covered in intricate tattoos with no memory of her past. As the FBI begins to decipher Jane’s tattoos, they uncover a vast conspiracy that threatens national security. Each tattoo provides clues to a different crime or event, leading the team on a thrilling chase to stop the perpetrators and uncover Jane’s true identity. *Blindspot* is a high-octane thriller with plenty of action, suspense, and plot twists. The mystery behind Jane’s identity and the meaning of her tattoos keeps viewers guessing until the very end. If you like action packed **tv shows like Animal Kingdom** then *Blindspot* is a good option.

Similarities: Focus on crime and mystery, elements of action and suspense, intricate plot twists.
Differences: Focus on a government agency and national security, more emphasis on action and thriller elements, less emphasis on family dynamics.

Luther

BBC’s *Luther* is a dark and gritty crime drama that follows DCI John Luther, a brilliant but troubled detective who is haunted by the darkness he encounters on the job. Luther is a master of deduction, but his unorthodox methods and personal demons often lead him to cross ethical boundaries. Each episode features a new and disturbing case, as Luther battles to catch the criminals while also struggling to control his own inner turmoil. *Luther* is a compelling and suspenseful series that explores the psychological toll of crime and the moral compromises that detectives must make to bring justice. The intense and captivating nature of *Luther* makes it one of the best **tv shows like Animal Kingdom**.

Similarities: Focus on crime and mystery, dark and gritty atmosphere, morally ambiguous protagonist.
Differences: Focus on a single detective, more emphasis on psychological themes, British setting.

The Underbelly of Society: Dark and Gritty TV Shows Like Animal Kingdom

One of the most compelling aspects of *Animal Kingdom* is its unflinching portrayal of the criminal underbelly. If you’re drawn to shows that explore the darker side of society, consider these options:

The Wire

HBO’s *The Wire* is widely considered one of the greatest television shows of all time. This critically acclaimed series offers a realistic and unflinching look at the drug trade in Baltimore, as seen through the eyes of drug dealers, law enforcement officers, politicians, and ordinary citizens. *The Wire* is known for its complex characters, intricate storylines, and its exploration of social and political issues. The show’s realism and its refusal to shy away from difficult topics have made it a landmark in television history. The realism of *The Wire* makes it one of the best **tv shows like Animal Kingdom**.

Similarities: Exploration of crime and its impact on society, complex characters with moral ambiguities, realistic portrayal of the criminal underworld.
Differences: Broader scope, focusing on multiple perspectives, more emphasis on social and political issues.

Breaking Bad

AMC’s *Breaking Bad* tells the story of Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher who is diagnosed with cancer and decides to use his skills to cook methamphetamine to provide for his family. As Walter delves deeper into the world of drug trafficking, he transforms from a mild-mannered teacher into a ruthless drug lord. *Breaking Bad* is a gripping and suspenseful series that explores themes of morality, identity, and the consequences of one’s choices. The show’s compelling characters and intricate plot twists have made it a critical and commercial success. The transformation of the main character in *Breaking Bad* makes it one of the most interesting **tv shows like Animal Kingdom**.

Similarities: Focus on crime and its consequences, morally ambiguous protagonist, exploration of the darker side of human nature.
Differences: Focus on a single protagonist’s transformation, more emphasis on the scientific aspects of drug production, New Mexico setting.

Mr. Robot

USA Network’s *Mr. Robot* follows Elliot Alderson, a cybersecurity engineer and hacker who suffers from social anxiety and depression. Elliot is recruited by a mysterious anarchist known as Mr. Robot to join a hacktivist group called fsociety, which aims to take down a powerful corporation that controls the world’s economy. *Mr. Robot* is a visually stunning and intellectually stimulating series that explores themes of technology, capitalism, and mental illness. The show’s complex characters and intricate plot twists have made it a cult favorite. The technological focus of *Mr. Robot* makes it a unique option for **tv shows like Animal Kingdom**.

Similarities: Focus on crime and rebellion, morally ambiguous protagonist, exploration of social and political issues.
Differences: Focus on technology and hacking, more emphasis on psychological themes, contemporary setting.

Conclusion: Finding Your Next Obsession Among TV Shows Like Animal Kingdom

While *Animal Kingdom* may have ended its run, the world of television is filled with shows that offer similar themes, thrills, and complex characters. Whether you’re drawn to family-based crime dramas, high-octane heists, or dark and gritty portrayals of the criminal underbelly, there’s a show out there that will capture your attention and keep you on the edge of your seat. So, explore the options listed above and discover your next television obsession. If you enjoyed the Cody family’s escapades, you’re sure to find something to love among these **tv shows like Animal Kingdom**.

[See also: Best Crime Dramas on Netflix]

[See also: Suspenseful TV Series to Binge-Watch]