Adrian's Fate in Animal Kingdom
Adrian Dolan, Deran Cody's boyfriend in the TNT series Animal Kingdom , meets a tragic end tied to the Cody family's criminal world. His story unfolds across seasons with high-stakes drama, betrayal, and heartbreak.

Adrian's Relationship with Deran

Adrian and Deran share a passionate but volatile romance starting in early seasons. They live together after Deran embraces his sexuality, but tension builds as Adrian gets caught smuggling cocaine. The DEA offers him a deal: inform on the Codys to avoid prison, which he reluctantly accepts.

Deran grows suspicious, leading to explosive confrontations. Despite lies and guilt, they briefly reconcile, but Adrian's informant role seals his doom amid Smurf's threats. Fans on Reddit often debate if their love was genuine or toxic.

Key Events Leading to His Exit

  • Season 3 Bust : Adrian's drug smuggling leads to arrest; he flips for the DEA instead of jail time.
  • Season 4 Revelation : He confesses to Deran; they plan to flee to Indonesia with new identities, aided by Craig.
  • Smurf's Interference : She discovers his betrayal and vows revenge, heightening the danger.

Deran has a change of heart after Smurf's death and Pope's influence, abandoning Adrian at the airport. Adrian boards the plane alone, facing at least 15 years in prison if caught, as noted in forums and the wiki.

What Happens in the Series Finale

Adrian doesn't die on-screen—contrary to some misleading sites—but his arc ends in Season 4, Episode 13 ("Smurf"). Deran later burns their shared memories in Season 5, signaling closure.

Showrunner Insight : EP John Wells revealed post-finale that Deran reunites with Adrian off-screen, forgiving past betrayals after years apart. Adrian, exiled in Indonesia, takes him back in an implied happy ending.

"I always loved you. And I probably always will. But you’re the worst thing that ever happened to me." – Adrian's heartbreaking final words to Deran

Fan Reactions and Theories

Reddit threads buzz with mixed views:

  • Some pity Adrian's poor choices, blaming Deran's influence for his smuggling.
  • Others root for a reunion, speculating prison threats or Smurf's hit forced his exit.
  • No Season 6 return confirmed; show ended in 2022.

TL;DR : Adrian gets busted as an informant, Deran ditches him at the airport, and he faces prison or exile—but they reunite post-series.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.