The Cody Family Fallout: 5 Biggest Dramas That Rocked The Animal Kingdom Series Finale And Cast
The Cody family's reign of crime may be over, but the drama surrounding the TNT series Animal Kingdom is far from finished. Even years after the final episode aired, the show is experiencing a massive resurgence on streaming platforms like Netflix, bringing a new wave of fans to the controversial series finale and reigniting debates over its shocking conclusion and the behind-the-scenes turmoil. As of December 23, 2025, the conversation is dominated by an actor’s public disapproval of his character’s fate and the lingering potential for a spinoff.
The six-season crime saga, which followed the lives of the hedonistic and dangerous Cody clan led by matriarch Janine "Smurf" Cody, delivered a brutal and divisive ending that left key questions unanswered and fractured the family beyond repair. This deep dive explores the biggest controversies, the ultimate fate of the Codys, and what the cast is doing now, proving that the Animal Kingdom drama lives on.
The Cody Family Dossier: Key Cast & Series Biography
The Animal Kingdom series, which premiered on TNT in 2016 and concluded in 2022, was a television adaptation of the critically acclaimed 2010 Australian film of the same name, written and directed by David Michôd. The show centered on Joshua "J" Cody after the death of his mother, as he moved in with his estranged criminal family in Oceanside, California. The series ran for six seasons, chronicling the family's heists, internal power struggles, and the dark history of their matriarch, Smurf.
- Series Title: Animal Kingdom (2016–2022)
- Network: TNT
- Seasons: 6
- Original Concept: Inspired by the 2010 Australian film, which was loosely based on the real-life Pettingill crime family in Melbourne.
- Main Characters & Actors:
- Janine "Smurf" Cody: Ellen Barkin (Seasons 1–4) / Leila George (Young Smurf)
- Andrew "Pope" Cody: Shawn Hatosy
- Barry "Baz" Blackwell: Scott Speedman (Seasons 1–3)
- Craig Cody: Ben Robson
- Deran Cody: Jake Weary
- Joshua "J" Cody: Finn Cole
- Genre: Crime Drama, Family Saga, Thriller
- Setting: Oceanside, California
Controversy One: J's Ultimate Double-Cross and the 'Fubar' Finale
The most significant source of fan and critical drama revolves around the series finale, titled "Fubar." The episode was designed to be a definitive end to the Cody crime family, but the method of their destruction proved highly polarizing. The core of the controversy was the ultimate betrayal orchestrated by J Cody, the seemingly weakest link who had been meticulously plotting his revenge against his family for years.
J's plan was a masterful, cold-blooded double-cross. While Deran and Craig Cody were busy attempting a dangerous prison bus ambush to free their brother Pope, J was secretly calling in an anonymous tip to the police. His goal was not to save his uncles, but to ensure their capture or death while he escaped with all of the family's remaining money. This was J's final, brutal act of vengeance for his mother's death and Smurf's manipulation.
The finale’s structure, which saw J walk away seemingly unscathed and wealthy, while his uncles faced a tragic end, was a narrative choice that divided the audience. Many viewers felt J's character arc, which saw him transform from a scared teenager into a calculating sociopath, was a fitting, if dark, conclusion. However, a significant portion of the fanbase felt betrayed, arguing that J’s survival and success violated the core theme of family loyalty, even within a criminal enterprise.
Furthermore, the finale drew criticism for completely disregarding the source material's ending. The 2010 Australian movie concluded with J turning state's evidence and entering witness protection, a much less dramatic but arguably more realistic outcome than the violent, fiery end delivered by the TNT series.
Controversy Two: Shawn Hatosy’s Public Dislike of Pope Cody's Fate
The drama intensified when one of the show's most central and beloved actors, Shawn Hatosy, who portrayed the deeply troubled Andrew "Pope" Cody, publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with his character's ending. In the final moments of "Fubar," Pope, having been freed from the prison bus, was cornered by police after J’s tip-off and was seen being fatally shot, though his final fate was left slightly ambiguous.
Hatosy admitted that he "didn't love the way [the show] ended" because of how much he cared for Pope. He expressed hope that his character might have survived the encounter, a sentiment that resonated strongly with fans who had grown attached to Pope’s complex journey of abuse, redemption, and mental health struggles. This rare public statement from a lead actor about the creative direction of a series finale added a layer of genuine, off-screen drama to the narrative controversy, fueling speculation about a potential future return or spinoff.
Controversy Three: The Lingering Cast Feud and Behind-the-Scenes Tension
While the Cody family’s on-screen dysfunction was legendary, the behind-the-scenes environment also had its share of drama. The most public and long-lasting controversy involved the show's original matriarch, Ellen Barkin (Smurf), who departed the series in Season 4.
Barkin later made public claims about a toxic work environment, suggesting she felt mistreated and was subjected to being "screamed at" by men on the set. She indicated that she had wanted to leave the show earlier than her character’s death allowed. While the specifics of the alleged conflict remain vague, her comments painted a picture of tension that contrasted sharply with the public camaraderie often displayed by the remaining cast members. This revelation added a dark, real-world layer to the show's themes of family toxicity and power dynamics, becoming a significant talking point among dedicated fans.
What Happened Next? The Cast’s New Projects and Spinoff Potential (2025 Update)
The enduring popularity of Animal Kingdom, particularly its recent streaming success, has kept the discussion of a potential Season 7 or a spinoff alive. While TNT has not officially announced any new series, the cast members have all moved on to high-profile new projects, keeping their careers fresh and relevant in late 2025.
The Surviving Codys:
- Shawn Hatosy (Pope): Hatosy is making a significant return to television. In late 2025, he is slated to appear in the new Fox procedural drama, Rescue: HI-Surf, playing a seasoned lifeguard. He is also reportedly attached to the upcoming series The Pitt.
- Finn Cole (J Cody): The actor behind the ultimate betrayer has taken on new film roles, including the thrillers Locked and Wolves, showcasing his range outside the crime drama genre.
- Jake Weary (Deran Cody): One of the two surviving Cody brothers, Weary has focused on independent film projects, with fans still holding out hope for a spinoff centered on Deran's new life on the run.
The Fallen Codys:
- Ben Robson (Craig Cody): Following his character's heroic but tragic death in the finale, Robson has appeared in various action and drama roles, including a recurring role in the series The Continental.
- Ellen Barkin (Smurf): The veteran actress continues her film career, taking on roles in major motion pictures and maintaining her status as a respected Hollywood figure, far removed from the Oceanside beach house.
The "animal kingdom drama" is now less about the Cody family's heists and more about the cultural footprint the show left behind. From a controversial ending that split the fanbase to a lead actor's public disappointment and a historical cast feud, the series remains a compelling case study in television drama, ensuring its survival in the streaming era.
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