Animal Kingdom Season 7: Why The Tnt Series Ended And What Could Happen Next

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Animal Kingdom fans have been eagerly searching for news about a potential season 7 of the popular crime drama series. The show, which captivated audiences with its intense portrayal of the Cody family's criminal exploits in Oceanside, concluded its sixth season in August 2022. But with such a dedicated fanbase and compelling storylines, many are wondering: could there be more to come?

The Final Chapter: Understanding Why Animal Kingdom Ended

In 2021, TNT made the difficult decision to end Animal Kingdom with its sixth season, marking it as the final chapter in the Cody family saga. This wasn't a sudden cancellation but rather a planned conclusion that the network had been preparing for. The cast and crew were actually notified about the pending pickup for the final season approximately two months before the official renewal announcement, giving them time to craft a proper ending to the series.

The decision to conclude the show wasn't entirely unexpected within the industry. When Brett Weitz, TNT's former general manager, spoke to Deadline about the series' future, he acknowledged the passionate fanbase while confirming that season 6 would serve as the grand finale. The sixth season brought closure to many fan-favorite characters, including Joshua "J" Cody (played by Finn Cole) and Andrew "Pope" Cody (portrayed by Shawn Hatosy).

Despite the series' immense popularity and critical acclaim, TNT chose to end the show on their own terms rather than risk declining quality or viewer interest. This approach allowed the writers to craft a satisfying conclusion that tied up loose ends and provided resolution for the Cody family's long-running criminal enterprise.

The Cody Family's Final Stand in Oceanside

The sixth and final season of Animal Kingdom delivered intense drama as the remaining Cody brothers found themselves pushed to the absolute edge. After years of navigating the treacherous criminal underworld of Oceanside, the family faced unprecedented challenges that threatened to tear them apart. The massive pressure from federal authorities, combined with rival crews sensing weakness, created the perfect storm that ultimately led to the family's downfall.

Throughout the final season, old betrayals resurfaced and alliances fractured under the weight of mounting pressure. The show masterfully portrayed how the empire built on loyalty, blood, and crime began to crack under its own past. Jake Weary's portrayal of Deran Cody stood out as he navigated the fragile edge of survival, trying to protect what remained of his family while facing impossible choices.

The series finale aired on August 28, 2022, bringing closure to the Cody family's saga while leaving some doors open for potential future exploration. The ending was designed to be definitive yet hinted at the possibility that the story might not be completely finished.

Could Animal Kingdom Return? Exploring the Possibilities

While TNT has officially confirmed that there won't be an Animal Kingdom Season 7, the door hasn't been completely closed on the franchise. Reputable industry sources have confirmed that the network has no current plans to reconvene the series for a new season or any kind of reboot or spinoff. However, when speaking to Deadline, Brett Weitz didn't entirely rule out the possibility of future developments.

The entertainment industry has seen numerous examples of beloved series being revived years after their initial conclusion, especially when there's significant fan demand and compelling story potential. The fact that the show's ending left some storylines open and unresolved provides a foundation that could potentially be revisited in the future.

Several factors could contribute to a potential revival:

Fan Demand: The passionate fanbase continues to show interest in the Cody family's story, creating ongoing buzz around the possibility of continuation.

Story Potential: The final season left enough hints and surviving storylines to leave the future wide open, providing material for potential spinoffs or revival series.

Streaming Interest: With the rise of streaming platforms, there's increased opportunity for shows to find new life even after traditional network cancellations.

The Animal Kingdom Universe: Beyond the Original Series

While Animal Kingdom Season 7 isn't currently in development, the rich world created by the series offers numerous possibilities for expansion. The show's exploration of the criminal underworld in Oceanside, California, touched on various aspects of organized crime, family dynamics, and the consequences of a life built on illegal activities.

The series' success has demonstrated the audience's appetite for complex crime dramas that explore the moral gray areas of criminal enterprises. This opens up possibilities for:

Spinoff Series: Focusing on different aspects of the criminal world, perhaps exploring rival crews or the law enforcement side of the story.

Prequel Content: Delving into the history of the Cody family before the events of the original series, exploring how Smurf built her criminal empire.

Character-Driven Stories: Following secondary characters who survived the series finale and exploring their continued journeys in the criminal underworld.

What Made Animal Kingdom So Compelling

The success of Animal Kingdom can be attributed to several key factors that resonated with audiences:

Complex Family Dynamics: The show brilliantly portrayed how family loyalty can be both a strength and a weakness in the criminal world.

Character Development: Each character evolved significantly over the series, making their journeys compelling and believable.

Realistic Portrayal of Crime: Unlike many crime dramas that glamorize illegal activities, Animal Kingdom showed the harsh realities and consequences of living outside the law.

Strong Performances: The cast, including Ellen Barkin, Shawn Hatosy, and Ben Robson, delivered powerful performances that brought depth to their characters.

The Future of Crime Drama Television

The conclusion of Animal Kingdom raises interesting questions about the future of crime drama television. As audiences become more sophisticated and demanding, shows need to offer more than just surface-level entertainment. Animal Kingdom succeeded because it:

Explored Moral Complexity: The show didn't present clear-cut heroes and villains but instead showed the complex motivations behind criminal behavior.

Addressed Real Consequences: Unlike some crime dramas that focus solely on the excitement of illegal activities, this series showed the toll that such a lifestyle takes on individuals and families.

Created Relatable Characters: Despite their criminal activities, the Cody family members were portrayed with enough humanity that viewers could understand their choices, even if they didn't agree with them.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Animal Kingdom

While Animal Kingdom Season 7 may not be happening, the series has left an indelible mark on television crime drama. The show's exploration of family, loyalty, and the consequences of criminal choices created a compelling narrative that resonated with audiences worldwide.

The decision to end the series with season 6 allowed for a proper conclusion to the Cody family's story, giving fans closure while still leaving room for potential future exploration. As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, there's always the possibility that the Animal Kingdom universe could expand in new and unexpected ways.

For now, fans can revisit the existing six seasons to experience the complete journey of the Cody family, appreciating how the series tackled complex themes with nuance and depth. The show's legacy will likely influence future crime dramas, setting a high standard for character development and storytelling in the genre.

Whether or not we see a return to Oceanside and the Cody family, Animal Kingdom has secured its place as one of the most compelling crime dramas of its era, proving that sometimes the most interesting stories are those that show the human cost of choosing a life of crime.

Is TNT's 'Animal Kingdom' Canceled or Renewed for Season 7?
Is TNT's 'Animal Kingdom' Canceled or Renewed for Season 7?
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