Emmy Award-nominated Tiger King director Eric Goode is back with a new true crime series, this time exposing the clandestine billion-dollar world of reptile smuggling. The five-episode documentary, titled Monsters of God, debuts on HBO Max on Friday, August 7, with weekly installments culminating in a finale on September 4.
From Big Cats to Reptiles
Tiger King, which became an overnight sensation on Netflix, delved into the peculiar world of private big cat breeding in the US, centered on eccentric zoo owner Joe Exotic. Now, Goode turns his lens to a hidden underworld that has existed for decades, according to the official synopsis: 'In this global network, everyone is chasing the ultimate prize, whether it be owning the rarest of species, claiming the biggest fortunes, or taking down the most elusive criminals.'
A Billion-Dollar Criminal Enterprise
The series reveals a billion-dollar criminal enterprise fueled by extreme obsession for reptiles, driving many to push the boundaries of laws and environmental ethics. As Goode digs deeper, he uncovers a labyrinth of outlaw traffickers, bombastic collectors, and the dogged law enforcement agents on their tails. Much like Tiger King, this documentary series sees Goode unravel a web of larger-than-life characters operating a complex international crime ring.
Audience Reactions
While some audiences have described the forthcoming series as a 'Tiger King sequel,' others have voiced concerns. A YouTube user remarked, 'This is sickening. This is a bad representation of the reptile keeping community. This is gross.' Another echoed, 'Why do television networks and streaming networks never do a documentary about the positivity of reptile keeping?' A third added, 'Why are they trying to paint reptile keepers as bad? This isn't right.'
Warning of Devastating Impact
The synopsis concludes: 'A thrilling exposé of a hidden underworld, Monsters of God warns of the devastating impact of the insatiable desire for the forbidden, and how this mad obsession is pushing some species to the brink of extinction.' The series promises to be a gripping exploration of the global reptile smuggling trade and its consequences.
