Does Animal Kingdom's ending leave the chance for Season 7 or a spin-off? Speculations explored 

Animal Kingdom ended with fire, betrayal, and heartbreak, but did it really close the chapter on the Cody family for good? The finale tied up most of the show's ongoing arcs, yet it left two of its main characters alive and unfinished.

So naturally, fans are asking: Is this truly the end? Or is there still space for a return-through Season 7 or a spin-off? While no plans have been announced for an Animal Kingdom Season 7 or a spin-off, the door hasn't been completely shut yet.

There are enough hints and surviving storylines to leave the future wide open.

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The end wasn't quite the end for all the Codys

The sixth and final season of Animal Kingdom brought down the curtain on many fan favorites. Both Pope and Craig met tragic ends, while Smurf's long shadow continued to hang over the story through flashbacks and past trauma.

But not everyone went down in flames. J and Deran both made it out alive, but barely. That alone has kept speculation alive about what's next.

J's arc ended on a chilling note. After orchestrating a takedown of his uncles, he poisoned his girlfriend Penny, fled to a tropical location, and sat in lonely silence. Meanwhile, Deran promised his dying brother Craig that he'd care for his son, and seemed determined to find J and settle the score.

According to Daniele Nathanson, executive producer, Deran would likely reconnect with Renn and reach out to Adrian, too. She told TVLine;

"This is 100-percent what I believe happens..."

These unfinished threads, along with J's eerie descent into darkness, have given rise to the idea that there could be more story to tell, especially if revenge or redemption are on the table.

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Talks of an Animal Kingdom spinoff may not be wishful thinking

While Animal Kingdom wrapped its final season in 2022, people behind the scenes haven't ruled out more. Brett Weitz, former TNT general manager, made it clear in a Deadline interview that the network would be open to continuing the world of Animal Kingdom.

Weitz said;

"When [John Wells] feels like there's a natural evolution to that show or spinoff, not only is my door open, but there's probably a slot on the air for him to do that..."

There's also another direction this could go. The show's flashbacks in later seasons explored Smurf's early days, and actor Leila George even said she'd love to return to the role in a full spinoff. She told Wonderwall in 2022,

"I found myself wishing that the whole thing... had been done as a spinoff..."

Viewers didn't get enough of Smurf's past or relationships like Baz and Catherine's.

Exploring these missed stories could breathe new life into the franchise, even without the main cast. And with the Cody legacy steeped in crime, love, and betrayal, there's no shortage of drama to mine.

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Animal Kingdom may have aired its final episode, but it didn't offer finality. With J and Deran still alive, and a rich backstory left untouched, a spin-off or Season 7 isn't out of reach. For now, fans can only wait and hope for another ride with the Codys.