As quarantine dates are constantly pushed back, it seems as though I have nothing but time on my hands. My days that typically consist of school and social interactions have shifted to working on school assignments for around two hours, and then sitting around. Like any other teenager living in this age of digital streaming, I turn to Netflix to fill up my hours. 

Recently, the new Netflix original documentary, Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness, has been the center of conversations. It was released on March 20, 2020, just in time for those stuck in quarantine across the world to spend their time watching it. I first heard about it from my own classmate, Emma Khamo (11), who claimed that “it had the most twists of any show [she’s] seen.” 

As an experienced binge-watcher, it took me only two days to watch this eight-episode series. The forty-minute episodes were easy to watch, as this show is filled with twists and turns that leave you wanting more. The protagonist, Joe Exotic, takes viewers into the world of big cat breeding. While this may seem uninteresting and bland, there is not a single second of dullness, as this show ranges from workers getting their arms bitten off to a man being sentenced to twenty-two years in federal prison.

While this may be a true-crime documentary, I feel as though it appeals to all audiences. It showcases the lack of proper animal treatment within the United States, the happiness and sadness accompanied by love, and how far one will go to be “on top.” 

The rawness and authenticity of this documentary are truly what makes it so special. Viewers get to see a look into the minds of zoo owners, revealing the unusual underworld of this seemingly normal profession. Each episode is filled with surprises, keeping the audience constantly on the edge of their seats.  

While this shows main purpose might be to reveal the dark side of big cat breeding, it is much more than that. It showcases how competitive and harmful humans beings can be, as it takes viewers along an emotional journey, leaving you questioning mankind. 

So, while you remain stuck at home with very little to do, Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness is just the perfect show to watch to pass the time away. From the constant plot twists to the valuable life lessons, this show is definitely one you do not want to miss out on.