The world of television procedurals has a new heavyweight champion, and it goes by the name of The Pitt. Currently airing its highly anticipated second season on HBO Max, this medical drama has managed to do something few shows achieve: garner universal critical acclaim while maintaining a “rabid” fan base. Hailed as one of the most realistic portrayals of emergency medicine in the last decade, the series owes much of its soul to a powerhouse ensemble led by Noah Wyle.
However, in recent weeks, a curious trend has emerged on the global streaming charts. While The Pitt dominates the conversation on Max, a gritty, six-season gangster drama has suddenly surged into the Netflix Global Top 10. That show is Animal Kingdom, and the link between these two streaming giants is none other than Emmy-winning actor Shawn Hatosy.
The Unstoppable Rise of ‘Animal Kingdom’ on Netflix
According to the latest data from FlixPatrol, the 2016 TNT drama Animal Kingdom has performed an “overnight takeover” of the streaming charts. As of February 2026, it occupies the No. 4 position globally, nipping at the heels of current sensations like the newest season of Bridgerton, the thriller HIS & HERS, and the romance hit Sullivan’s Crossing.
For those who haven’t yet taken the plunge into the Cody family’s criminal empire, the premise is intoxicating. After his mother dies of a heroin overdose, 17-year-old “J” moves in with his estranged relatives, the Codys, a criminal family clan governed by matriarch “Smurf” (Ellen Barkin).
Hatosy stars as Andrew “Pope” Cody, the eldest and most volatile brother. Over the course of 75 episodes, Hatosy delivered a masterclass in stoicism and simmering danger. His portrayal of Pope—a man capable of extreme violence and profound vulnerability—is widely regarded as one of the best “broken” characters in television history.
Why is it trending now?
The “Shawn Hatosy effect” is in full swing. Fans who discovered Hatosy as the calm, heroic Dr. Jack Abbot in The Pitt are flocking to Netflix to see his darker origins. The result is a surge in licensing across new countries, proving that Animal Kingdom is the ultimate “underratedly bingeworthy” show that subscribers crave.
From “The Machine” to “The Medic”: Hatosy’s Emmy-Winning Turn
The creative bridge between Animal Kingdom and The Pitt is executive producer John Wells. Wells, who shepherded Animal Kingdom through its six-season run, clearly recognized Hatosy’s rare ability to anchor a scene.
In the inaugural season of The Pitt, Hatosy appeared in a guest capacity as Dr. Jack Abbot, the night-shift attending physician at Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center. Despite limited screen time, his presence was so impactful that he walked away with the 2025 Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series—one of five wins for the show, including Best Drama Series.
Abbot is the antithesis of Pope Cody. A former combat medic and “ER cowboy,” Abbot is known for his unflappable demeanor in the face of mass casualty events. He is the “glue” that holds the chaotic ER together, often acting as the moral compass for Noah Wyle’s Dr. Robby when the pressure becomes unbearable.
Season 2: A New Shift and a New View
If you were worried that Dr. Abbot’s guest status meant we’d seen the last of him, Season 2 has a major surprise in store. Shawn Hatosy is returning in an expanded, recurring role.
While Abbot was primarily the face of the night shift in Season 1, the new episodes will see him crossing over into the day shift. While specific plot details are being kept under lock and key at HBO Max, the transition suggests that Abbot will be taking on a more central leadership role as the hospital faces new healthcare crises and the integration of AI in medicine.
But perhaps the most exciting update is Hatosy’s move behind the lens. It has been confirmed that Hatosy will direct the ninth episode of Season 2. This isn’t his first time in the director’s chair—he previously helmed four episodes of Animal Kingdom—but he admits that doing so in a medical environment brings a unique set of challenges.
“Having experienced it all through Abbot’s eyes, I think that’s going to really enhance my perspective as a director,” Hatosy shared in a recent interview. “What a joy to be able to do it with a group of people with whom I already have such a deep bond.”
The Ultimate Cast List
Whether you’re watching the surgical precision of The Pitt or the tactical heists of Animal Kingdom, you’re watching some of the best talent in the business.
| Feature | The Pitt (HBO Max) | Animal Kingdom (Netflix) |
| Genre | Realistic Medical Procedural | Gritty Crime Drama |
| Shawn Hatosy’s Role | Dr. Jack Abbot (The Hero) | Pope Cody (The Enigma) |
| Key Co-Stars | Noah Wyle, Katherine LaNasa | Ellen Barkin, Finn Cole, Scott Speedman |
| Creative Force | R. Scott Gemmill & John Wells | Jonathan Lisco & John Wells |
| Episode Bingeability | 15 Episodes per Season | 13 Episodes per Season (6 Seasons) |
Conclusion: A Masterclass in Versatility
Shawn Hatosy’s career is currently undergoing a massive renaissance. By moving seamlessly from the terrifying shadows of Southern California crime to the bright, sterile lights of a Pittsburgh trauma center, he has proven himself to be one of the most versatile actors of his generation.
For fans of The Pitt, the wait for Episode 9 is on. But for those who can’t wait another week to see Hatosy on screen, the Cody family is waiting for you on Netflix. Just don’t expect Dr. Abbot to show up—Pope Cody is a different beast entirely.
