Husband, country singer, viral sensation, convicted criminal: just a few of the labels attributed to Joe Exotic, the star of Netflix’s latest documentary. “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness” tell the story of Exotic, his rise and fall, and the shady world of big cat ownership. With plenty of twists and turns, this documentary is the perfect cure for quarantine-induced boredom.

This series is, for lack of a better term, absolutely wild. From the first episode, viewers are swept away on a rollercoaster ride. Every scene of every episode brings something baffling. There’s cyberbullying, a possible cult, polygamy, a “missing” husband, expired meat and more. You will either be overwhelmed, on the edge of your seat or both.

Originally intended to focus on private big cat ownership, the filmmakers were soon sucked into the world of Joe Exotic, founder of the G.W. Zoo in Wynnewood, Okla. Exotic grew a following for his eccentric image and online videos showcasing the many exotic animals he owned. A larger market of exotic animal owners running their own zoos and parks. 

Beneath the furry hugs and animal love is a corrupt world of exploitation. Most of the focus on the series is about the crazier parts, but everyone seems to neglect the more nefarious details. There are several instances of animals in terrible conditions, mentions of sexual harassment, drug abuse, and suicide. That being said, the show does a great job of balancing out its darker and lighter moments. 

Carole Baskin is Exotic’s mortal enemy and the owner of Big Cat Rescue. She accuses Exotic and owners like him of exploiting their animals for profit. As you see both sides of their feud, there are more similarities between them than either of them realize. 

A common theme in this series is that beneath the surface every character has their own dark past. No one is entirely innocent and every character is shadier than the last. 

The feud between Baskin and Exotic also mirrors the larger ethical debate about private exotic animal ownership. Despite numerous examples of animal neglect, the message is only ever touched on. It’s not until the very end that everything comes back into focus. The viewer, much like the people in this story, gets so caught up in the feuds and personalities that they lose sight of what really matters: the animals.