Shawn Hatosy on ‘Animal Kingdom’ Finale: ‘I Didn’t Love the Way It Ended’

Shawn Hatosy, who portrayed Pope Cody in TNT’s crime drama Animal Kingdom, has openly shared his dissatisfaction with the series’ conclusion. Speaking to TV Insider in August 2025, Hatosy revealed that he “didn’t love the way it ended” for his character after six seasons of development.

The series, which aired from 2016 to 2022, concluded with Pope slumped by the pool following a confrontation with his nephew J (Finn Cole). Even as the show left Pope’s fate ambiguous—never confirming his death on screen—Hatosy expressed that the outcome felt unsatisfying given the character’s growth throughout the series.

Pope Cody’s Journey and Fan Reception

Hatosy described Pope as a “multidimensional character” who initially seemed disturbed but earned viewer sympathy over time. “So [the viewers] finish up hating him at first, but he becomes the favorite by the end,” he noted in his TV Insider interview.

The actor emphasized his personal connection to the role, stating, “I care so much about [Pope]. It becomes a part of you. So watching him be betrayed like that and not surviving — maybe we don’t know. We didn’t witness, did we? We didn’t call time of death, so who knows.” This ambiguity has fueled ongoing speculation among fans about whether Pope might have survived.

Series Legacy and Streaming Resurgence

Animal Kingdom has experienced a resurgence in popularity since its arrival on Netflix. Hatosy acknowledged this renewed interest, telling TV Insider, “It’s been nice that it’s finding a new audience because it’s a show I’m very proud of. And I thought the work was great. I thought the writing was fantastic and electric. So it’s cool that people are finding it.”

The series, based on the 2010 Australian film of the same name, developed a dedicated fan base during its original TNT run and continues to attract viewers through streaming platforms.

Ambiguity and Potential for Revival

While Pope’s final scene depicted him gravely injured, Hatosy has suggested there remains a possibility for the character’s return. In discussions with outlets like Screen Rant, he pointed out the lack of a definitive death confirmation, stating that the show never “called time of death” on Pope.

This narrative openness has led to conversations about potential spin-offs or revivals, particularly given Pope’s central role in the Cody family dynamics. Hatosy has indicated he would be open to reprising the character under the right circumstances.

The actor’s reflections highlight the deep investment actors often have in long-running roles and how ambiguous endings can leave room for both fan interpretation and future storytelling opportunities.

As Animal Kingdom continues to gain traction on Netflix, Hatosy’s candid reflections offer insight into the actor’s perspective on one of television’s most talked-about ambiguous conclusions.