"Certified Fresh" Drama Celebrates 10 Years Since Debut: Stream It Now on Netflix
The year was 2016, and cable TV had just gotten a brand-new crime drama that captivated both critics and TV viewers. It followed the felonious exploits of a queenpin and her "dysfunctional" family as they tried to maintain control of their empire in Oceanside, California, while also fighting to succumb to their own family infighting. While the show didn't do blockbuster numbers in the ratings during its six-season run, it had an incredibly loyal fanbase. So what's the special show that's actually celebrating 10 years today and can actually be streamed on Netflix right now?
‘Animal Kingdom' Turns 10 Years Old
On June 14, 2016, Animal Kingdom debuted on TNT. The series had a lot of promise from the very beginning. It was based on the popular 2010 Australian film of the same name, America has an appetite for dramas with a criminal element, and the show's leads were already standouts in Hollywood: Emmy-winning actress Ellen Barkin and TV veteran Scott Speedman. Plus, it helped that the series broadcast premiere followed the end of an NBA playoff game. Here's an official synopsis of Animal Kingdom from TNT:
"Animal Kingdom is an adrenaline-charged drama starring Emmy and Tony winner Ellen Barkin (Sea of Love, This Boy's Life, Oceans 13) as the matriarch of a Southern California family whose excessive lifestyle is fueled by their criminal activities, with Scott Speedman (The Strangers, The Vow) as her second in command. Shawn Hatosy (Southland, Reckless), Ben Robson (Vikings, Dracula: The Dark Prince), Jake Weary (Pretty Little Liars, It Follows), and Finn Cole (Peaky Blinders, An Inspector Calls) also star."
‘Animal Kingdom' Is "Certified Fresh" on Rotten Tomatoes
Since the first season, Animal Kingdom has by and large won the hearts of critics. Season 1 is officially "Certified Fresh" on Rotten Tomatoes with a Tomatometer score of 76%. Daniel D'Addario of Time gives major props to Barkin's performance in the show, stating Animal Kingdom "uses her shrewd, assessing eyes and unmannered delivery perfectly." Additionally, Matthew Gilbert wrote for the Boston Globe:
"This series adaptation of the 2010 movie Animal Kingdom is remarkably confident from the start. The story unfolds naturally, the hand-held camerawork is quite effective, and the acting is aces."
If you feel like reliving all the great moments of Animal Kingdom or watching it for the first time, it's now streaming on Netflix.
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This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published June 14, 2026 at 6:55 AM.