Emmy Award-nominated director Eric Goode, the creator behind Netflix's true crime phenomenon Tiger King, is returning with a new documentary series that delves into the clandestine billion-dollar trade of reptile smuggling. Titled Monsters of God, the five-part series premieres on HBO Max on Friday, August 7, with new episodes dropping weekly, culminating on Friday, September 4.
Exploring a Hidden Underworld
The official synopsis describes the series as an investigation into a global network where everyone is chasing the ultimate prize: owning the rarest species, claiming the biggest fortunes, or taking down the most elusive criminals. The billion-dollar criminal enterprise is fueled by extreme obsession for these creatures, driving many to push the boundaries of laws and environmental ethics.
According to HBO Max, Goode uncovers a labyrinth of outlaw traffickers, bombastic collectors, and the dogged law enforcement agents on their tails. The series promises to unravel a web of larger-than-life characters operating within a complex international crime ring, much like Tiger King did with big cat breeding.
Fan Reactions and Controversy
While some viewers have described the forthcoming series as the Tiger King sequel, others have voiced apprehensions. One YouTube user commented, 'This is sickening. This is a bad representation of the reptile keeping community. This is gross.' Another stated, 'Why do television networks and streaming networks never do a documentary about the positivity of reptile keeping?' A third remarked, 'Why are they trying to paint reptile keepers as bad? This isn't right.'
Impact and Warning
The description 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 aims to shed light on the environmental consequences of the reptile smuggling trade.
