Eric Goode, the Emmy Award-nominated director behind Netflix's global phenomenon Tiger King, is back with a new true crime docuseries that delves into the hidden underworld of reptile smuggling. Titled Monsters of God, the five-part series premieres on HBO Max on Friday, August 7, with new episodes releasing weekly through September 4.
From Big Cats to Reptiles: A Billion-Dollar Criminal Enterprise
Tiger King, which became an overnight sensation during the Coronavirus pandemic, explored the bizarre world of private big cat breeding in the US, centered on the eccentric zoo owner Joe Exotic. Now, Goode turns his lens to a different but equally shadowy trade: the illegal reptile market, described as a billion-dollar criminal enterprise fueled by extreme obsession.
According to the official synopsis, the series uncovers a global network where “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.” Goode unravels a web of “larger-than-life characters” who run a “complex international crime ring,” including outlaw traffickers, bombastic collectors, and the law enforcement agents pursuing them.
Environmental and Ethical Stakes
The docuseries warns of the devastating impact of the insatiable desire for forbidden creatures, pushing some species to the brink of extinction. “The billion-dollar criminal enterprise is fueled by extreme obsession for these creatures, driving many to push the boundaries of laws and environmental ethics,” the synopsis states.
While some viewers have hailed Monsters of God as a “Tiger King sequel,” others have expressed concerns. A YouTube user commented, “This is sickening. This is a bad representation of the reptile keeping community. This is gross.” Another added, “Why do television networks and streaming networks never do a documentary about the positivity of reptile keeping?” A third echoed, “Why are they trying to paint reptile keepers as bad? This isn’t right.”
Release Schedule and Availability
Monsters of God will consist of five episodes, each released weekly on HBO Max. The premiere is set for Friday, August 7, with the finale expected on Friday, September 4, barring schedule changes. The series is produced by HBO Max and promises a thrilling exposé of a hidden underworld that has existed for decades.
