Tiger King

This docuseries plunges into the bizarre and dangerous world of big cat collectors and exotic animal owners in America. It follows the story of Joe Exotic, a gun-toting, polygamist zookeeper whose life unravels amid a web of rivalries, obsession, and alleged murder-for-hire plots. The series highlights the extreme personalities and questionable practices within the exotic animal trade.

Tiger King was a cultural phenomenon upon its release, praised for its shocking subject matter and compelling narrative, though criticized by some for its editing and perceived bias. It garnered significant audience attention and sparked widespread debate about animal welfare and the ethics of private ownership of exotic animals.

• Praised for its addictive, stranger-than-fiction storytelling.

• Noted for its deep dive into the eccentric personalities of big cat owners.

• Criticized by some for its narrative framing and potential sensationalism.

Google audience: Audiences were captivated by the wild and unbelievable true stories presented in Tiger King, finding the characters and their exploits incredibly engaging and shocking. While many found it entertaining, some viewers expressed concern over the ethical treatment of animals depicted.

Nominated for 5 Primetime Emmy Awards.

The series was partly filmed over five years, with directors Eric Goode and Rebecca Chaiklin initially intending to make a documentary about tiger-themed club culture before shifting focus to Joe Exotic and the larger exotic animal community.