Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Trashy docu sequel is crude and exploitative.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Tiger King 2
What's the Story?
TIGER KING 2, a follow-up to the Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness docuseries, chronicles events relating to the conviction of a former exotic-cat park owner. In 2019 Joseph Allen Maldonado-Passage, known professionally as Joe Exotic, was convicted and later sentenced to 22 years in prison for multiple charges of animal abuse, and for plotting the murder his nemesis, Big Cat Rescue founder Carole Baskin. As he sits in prison, amateur sleuths have doubled their efforts to solve the 1997 disappearance of Don Lewis, Baskin's first husband. Meanwhile, Jeff Lowe, who acquired Joe Exotic's park, and his rival turned business partner Tim Stark also have issues with the law.
Is It Any Good?
The tawdry and convoluted series features members of the original Tiger King cast and a few new folks as they share their thoughts about Joe Exotic and his conviction and speculate about Carole Baskin. It shows how Joe Exotic has emerged from the story as a folk hero to many, despite being convicted of terrible federal crimes, while Baskin is vilified and continues to be an object of ridicule. But most of the focus is on the public's interest and investigations into Don Lewis' disappearance, which are fueled by Joe Exotic's claims that Baskin had him murdered. It also reveals the efforts made to rescue the animals being housed by some of the cast members. But outside of these updates, Tiger King 2 offers a rather dull, and very sordid, attempt to exploit the scandals revealed in the first season, while showcasing how people are making the most of the publicity they generated.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the exotic animal industry. What does the Tiger King franchise reveal about it? Has anything changed in the industry as a result?
What does Tiger King 2 reveal about the role media has in the way the public understands, and reacts to, violent crime and other criminal behavior? Does the gender of the subject affect this understanding? How?
TV Details
- Premiere date : November 17, 2021
- Cast : Joseph , Carole Baskin , Jeff Lowe
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : February 15, 2023
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