Tiger King (2020)
The wildest true crime documentary on Netflix — a jaw-dropping plunge into big cats, murder plots, and America's most eccentric subculture.
Tiger King - Series Information
- Original Title: Tiger King
- First Air Year: 2020
- Last Air Year: 2021
- Created by: Eric Goode, Rebecca Chaiklin
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Documentary, Crime
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 13
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: March 20, 2020 (United States - TV-MA), March 20, 2020 (United Kingdom - 15), March 20, 2020 (Germany - 16), March 20, 2020 (France - 16), March 20, 2020 (Australia - MA 15+), March 20, 2020 (Brazil - 16), March 20, 2020 (Italy - VM14), March 20, 2020 (Spain - 16), March 20, 2020 (South Korea - 19)
- Networks: Netflix
- Alternative Titles: Tiger King - Großkatzen und ihre Raubtiere (DE), Tiger King 2 (US), Король тигров: Убийство, хаос и безумие (RU)
- Production Companies: Goode Films
- Production Countries: United States of America
Tiger King - Plot
A zoo owner spirals out of control amid a cast of eccentric characters in this true murder-for-hire story from the underworld of big cat breeding.
Tiger King - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see just how deep the rabbit hole goes:
We've only scratched the surface.
Where to Watch Tiger King
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Tiger King - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Eric Goode
- Rebecca Chaiklin
Main Cast
- Carole Baskin
- Joe Exotic
- Howard Baskin
- John Reinke
- Saff Saffery
- John Finlay
- Doc Antle
- Sylvia Corkill
- Jerry Mitchell
- Brittany Peet
Executive Producers
- Fisher Stevens
- Rebecca Chaiklin
- Chris Smith
- Eric Goode
- Jeremy McBride
Tiger King - FAQs
Is Tiger King based on a true story?
Every jaw-dropping moment in Tiger King is real. The series documents the actual rivalry between big cat breeder Joe Exotic and animal rights activist Carole Baskin, culminating in a genuine murder-for-hire plot. Joe Exotic was convicted in 2019 and sentenced to 22 years in federal prison.
What happened to Joe Exotic after Tiger King?
Joe Exotic, born Joseph Maldonado-Passage, was convicted in 2019 on two counts of murder-for-hire against Carole Baskin and multiple wildlife violations. He was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison. His appeals for a pardon and sentence reduction have drawn ongoing media attention since the series aired.
Where can you stream Tiger King?
Tiger King is available to stream on Netflix and Netflix Standard with Ads. Both seasons are on the platform, making it easy to binge the full story in one sitting — though fair warning, you may lose track of time once the chaos begins.
Did Carole Baskin kill her husband?
Tiger King heavily implies Carole Baskin may have been involved in the 1997 disappearance of her then-husband Don Lewis, but no charges were ever filed and Baskin has consistently denied any involvement. The case remains officially unsolved, and Baskin has called the series' portrayal of her deeply misleading.
How was Tiger King received by critics and audiences?
Tiger King became a cultural phenomenon upon its March 2020 release, arriving during pandemic lockdowns when audiences were hungry for escapism. Critics praised its stranger-than-fiction storytelling while some questioned its ethics. It became one of Netflix's most-watched documentary series, drawing tens of millions of viewers within its first weeks.
How many seasons and episodes does Tiger King have?
Tiger King ran for two seasons totaling 13 episodes — Season 1 contains 8 episodes and Season 2 contains 5. The series concluded in 2021. While Season 1 is widely considered the stronger of the two, both seasons dive deep into the chaotic world of big cat ownership in America.
Who created and directed Tiger King?
Tiger King was created by Eric Goode and Rebecca Chaiklin, who spent years embedded in the exotic animal community before the series took shape. Executive producers include Fisher Stevens and Chris Smith. The music was composed by a team including Mark Mothersbaugh, known for his work with Devo and numerous film scores.
What are similar shows to Tiger King?
If Tiger King left you craving more wild true crime, Wild Wild Country on Netflix offers a similarly unhinged deep dive into a cult leader's American empire. Dirty Money and Delhi Crime are also strong picks for viewers drawn to investigative documentary storytelling with high-stakes real-world consequences.
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