15 Best Netflix Originals Of 2020 So Far - Ranked

9. Tiger King

The chances are that, by the time you read this, you may already have seen Tiger King. It is everywhere online. Who at this stage hasn't heard that remix of the Carole Baskin song? Who doesn't recognize Joe Exotic's voice?

If you have not seen Tiger King, let it be known that nothing can truly prepare you for what you are about to watch.

The documentary was filmed over several years, with interviews slotted in from more recently. By the close of the series, there are still threads in the air that are waiting to be plucked. This is a saga that has yet to come to an end.

Joe Exotic is unique. That's underselling just how unique he is, yet the 'gay, gun-carrying redneck with a mullet' is, at times, a deeply sympathetic character. Many have avoided watching some of the series for fear of the abuse they feel that they will see of the animals. Joe is depicted as displaying kindness and love toward his animals on many occasions.

However, the suggestion of cruelty is never far behind. There are questions asked, not least of which being why five apparently healthy Tigers were euthanized on Joe's property. The accusation that he breeds cubs for photo ops, only to have them shipped away is never satisfactorily dealt with.

Then of course, there is the media circus surrounding his relationship with Baskin. It is bizarre, yet addictive. To describe any of it would be to spoil all of it - it really must be seen to be believed.

Tiger King may not be the highest brow entertainment of the year, yet it is certainly one of the most consumable. Like Exotic himself, there really is nothing quite like it.

Contributor
Contributor

Seán is the host and head writer/presenter for TrekCulture, as well as a writer/presenter on WhoCulture and WhatCulture Horror. He has authored two novels, dozens of short stories, and hundreds of articles for WhatCulture. He holds a Master of Arts in Creative Writing from University College Dublin. As part of his work with TrekCulture, Seán has been invited to participate in collaborations with Roddenberry Entertainment, as well as contributing to several Star Trek community projects. An avid fan of Star Trek, Doctor Who, and the horror genre at large, Seán's expertise has helped develop these channels to the successes they are today. As host of the Ups & Downs series on TrekCulture, Seán has become internationally recognised for his positive yet critically informed approach to reviewing every episode of modern Star Trek, ensuring he is one of the go-to voices in the Trek community. Favourite Quote to describe himself: "I'm serious about what I do, just not always about the way that I do it"