Animal Kingdom: The Perfect Show Like Shameless on Netflix
If you miss the chaotic family dynamics and morally ambiguous characters of Animal Kingdom, you're in luck! This thrilling crime drama, now streaming on Netflix, provides the perfect fix for those seeking a show like Shameless. With its on crime, loyalty, and a deeply dysfunctional family, Animal Kingdom captures the same twisted and addictive energy that made the Gallaghers so captivating.
Since Shameless concluded its impressive 11-season run in 2021, fans have been searching for a series that replicates its unique blend of crime, dysfunction, and surprisingly tender moments. While many shows have tried to fill this void, few have successfully mirrored the balance between emotional depth and dark humor that defined Shameless. However, Animal Kingdom steps up to the plate, delivering a similar experience with its own distinct flavor.
Running for six seasons, Animal Kingdom originally aired on TNT and has found a new audience thanks to Netflix. The show centers on the Cody family, a tight-knit group whose lives revolve around crime and survival, much like the Gallaghers. But instead of hustling on the South Side of Chicago, the Codys operate their criminal empire in sunny Southern California.
Why Animal Kingdom Resonates with Shameless Fans
At its core, Animal Kingdom, much like Shameless, explores themes of family dysfunction, morally questionable choices, and the lengths people will go to survive. The series follows teenager Joshua "J" Cody (Finn Cole) as he moves in with his estranged relatives after his mother's death. He soon discovers that the Cody family, led by matriarch Janine "Smurf" Cody (Ellen Barkin), is anything but ordinary.
The Codys are bank robbers, con artists, and thieves who operate with corporate precision, planning jobs, negotiating deals, and navigating high-stakes rivalries. This results in a character-driven crime drama filled with emotional depth. What makes Animal Kingdom a compelling successor to Shameless is its blend of brutal family conflict with unwavering loyalty and love. Does this sound familiar?
Characters like Pope (Shawn Hatosy), Deran (Jake Weary), and Craig (Ben Robson) each bring a unique dynamic to the table, mirroring the energy of Lip, Ian, and Carl in Shameless. Their rivalries, emotional scars, and reckless behavior make them both captivating and frustrating. Smurf, similar to Frank Gallagher, is a manipulative and magnetic force, constantly pulling her children into chaos while maintaining their loyalty through sheer force of personality.
Familiar Faces: Shameless Cast Members in Animal Kingdom
One of the key strengths of Shameless was its stellar ensemble cast. The chemistry between the actors and their ability to portray nuanced, flawed characters grounded the show, even during its most outrageous storylines. Fortunately, Animal Kingdom offers a similar experience, featuring several Shameless alumni throughout its six seasons.
Cameron Monaghan, known for his role as Ian Gallagher, appears in Animal Kingdom season 3, taking on a supporting role in a high-stakes heist arc. Emma Kenney, who played Debbie Gallagher, makes a cameo in a flashback storyline in season 4. Ethan Cutkosky, aka Carl Gallagher, also appears in season 5, seamlessly joining Animal Kingdom's younger generation of criminals. Justin Chatwin, who played Steve/Jimmy in the early seasons of Shameless, takes on a different persona in Animal Kingdom, showcasing a more hardened edge.
Perhaps most notably, Noel Fisher (Mickey Milkovich) appears in a multi-episode arc, playing a rival gang member whose actions ignite a violent feud with the Codys. These appearances are more than just fan service; they are authentic performances that highlight the talent of the Shameless cast.
These actors stretch their talents in new but thematically similar territory, keeping the raw, emotional storytelling alive. Since landing on Netflix, Animal Kingdom has garnered a significant second life. Similar to Breaking Bad and Shameless, the series has attracted new viewers who missed it during its original run. Its sleek visuals, unpredictable twists, and addictive pacing make it a binge-worthy option for anyone seeking a TV show like Shameless.
In conclusion, if you are still rewatching the Gallagher family saga or searching for your next show, Animal Kingdom delivers. Its compelling narrative, perfect tone, and familiar faces make it a worthwhile successor to Shameless. Don't miss out on this thrilling crime drama now streaming on Netflix!