TV

Everyone’s Obsessed With ‘Tiger King’, Netflix’s New Doco About Big Cats And Even Bigger Crime

The perfect coronavirus quarantine distraction, tbh.

by Michelle Rennex  24 March 2020
tiger king reactions netflix true crime

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First Netflix gave us Abducted in Plain Sight — the 90-minute documentary that detailed the baffling kidnapping of a young girl right in front of her clueless parents.

Next we were blessed with another rollercoaster doco, Don’t Fuck With Cats. The three-part series followed the story of animal abuser and murderer, Luka Magnotta from the perspective of the civilians who managed to imprison him.

Now, Netflix has upped the ante and have released a seven-part (!!!!) series called Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness. Now judging by the title alone, you know you’re in for a ride — and oh boy, a ride you do have.

Inspired by the true crime podcast, Joe Exotic: Tiger King, the Netflix documentary tells the story of Joe Exotic, an Oklahoman exotic-animal breeder who lands himself in prison after the series takes a quick turn from a story about big cats straight to instances of big crime.

*Mild spoilers ahead* 

Big Cats And Even Bigger Crimes

The series opens with the gun-loving Tiger King, Joe Exotic, and his massive 16-acre zoo. But instead of solely focusing on the issues with wild animals in captivity, the series hones in on Mr. Exotic himself and his truly wild life.

From the former presidential candidate’s gay polygamous marriage to his zoo full of devoted staff with limbs that have been torn off, Joe’s story is captivating.

However, Joe isn’t the only character the series focuses on. We are quickly introduced to Carole Baskin, an animal rights activist and, naturally, Joe Exotic’s nemesis. Owner of the Big Cat Rescue in Florida, Carole ends up being the victim of a number of failed assassination attempts at the hands of Joe.

Unhappy with Carole meddling in his business, Joe tries to expose the skeletons in Carole’s closet through an actually pretty catchy country song.

In the video for ‘Here Kitty Kitty’, Joe uses an almost perfect double of his enemy, and details the story of how Carole Baskin allegedly murdered her husband and fed him to the big cats she had rescued.

All of Carole’s attempts at closing down the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park end up getting to Joe. And as the trailer reveals, Joe Exotic winds up in prison for his numerous failed murder-for-hire attempts and cases of animal cruelty, but his journey to that point is truly insane.

We also meet some other questionable characters like Bhagavan “Doc” Antle, who’s own big cat zoo is essentially just a giant cult filled with his multiple teenage wives.

Or there’s businessman Jeff Lowe, who uses his the perks of the big cat cubs in exchange for kitty of a different kind (I’m talking about pussy).

Everyone’s Newest True Crime Obsession

Watching Tiger King, it’s hard to believe that the docuseries isn’t some sort of scripted spoof of a true crime documentary. The story lines are just so absurd and far-fetched for each and every character, that it could be argued that everyone featured deserves their own stand-alone documentary.

But that’s what makes Tiger King so addictive, especially in a time where the world seems so uncertain amidst coronavirus and the requirements to self-isolate at home. Netflix’s Tiger King is a much needed distraction that couldn’t have come at a better time, and it’s safe to say that people are obsessed with the series and the stories within the show.

From Joe Exotic’s eccentric personality and surprising musical talents, to Carole Baskin’s entire animal-print wardrobe and devotion to big cats, Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness is exactly that — seven episodes of sheer mayhem and madness that we simply can’t get enough of.