James R | On 30, Sep 2016

Amazon has acquired the exclusive UK rights to Animal Kingdom the TV series.

The US show is inspired by the 2010 Australian movie of the same name. The film, which was directed by David Michôd, received an Oscar nomination for Jacki Weaver’s supporting performance, catapulting Weaver and her co-star, Ben Mendelsohn, onto the world stage. Since then, Weaver has appeared in films ranging from The Voices to Stoker and Silver Linings Playbook, while Mendelsohn has just been nominated for his work in Netlfix’s drama, Bloodline.

The film, however, is still earning its fair share of effection, with TNT adapting the movie into a show that aired earlier this year. The drama, which stars Emmy winner Ellen Barkin, follows a Southern California family whose excessive lifestyle is fuelled by their criminal activities.

Michôd is an executive producer for the series, alongside Liz Watts, who also produced the movie, with Jonathan Lisco (Halt and Catch Fire, Southland) on writing duties.

The 10-episode first season centres on 17-year-old Joshua “J” Cody (Finn Cole), who moves in with his freewheeling relatives in their Southern California beach town, after his mother dies of a heroin overdose. Heading up the family is J’s estranged grandmother, Janine “Smurf” Cody (Barkin), whom he’s been shielded from for years. She is orbited by Baz (Scott Speedman), her relatively level-headed right-hand man whom she adopted when he was a teenager; Smurf’s eldest son, the quietly menacing, mentally disturbed Pope (Shawn Hatosy), who has just gotten out of prison; her tough, hyperactive, recreational drug-using middle son, Craig (Ben Robson); and the troubled and suspicious Deran (Jake Weary), the “baby” of the family.

All episodes arrive exclusively on Amazon Prime Video today, with the film also available to stream as part of a £5.99 monthly subscription. The series has already been renewed for a second season.

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