Tiger King: The Doc Antle Story
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Tiger King: The Doc Antle Story
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Tiger King: The Doc Antle Story is a spin-off of Tiger King about controversial big cat zoo owner Bhagavan "Doc" Antle. It addresses his alleged sexual misconduct (including with minors), cruel treatment of animals, acts of intimidation, and involvement in a murder. There aren't a lot of graphic descriptions, but the allegations are disturbing, and there's no evidence supporting or challenging them provided. There is a brief discussion of actual charges brought against him for wildlife trafficking. Cursing is audible, including words like "damn," "bitch" and curses like "s--t" and "f--k". The subject matter and its exploitative presentation may be a trigger for some viewers.
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What's the Story?
TIGER KING: THE DOC ANTLE STORY, an installment of the Tiger King franchise, examines the multiple criminal allegations made against private cat zoo owner Bhagavan "Doc" Antle. The director of Myrtle Beach Safari's former associates, including ex-wives, spiritual, sexual, and business partners, previous employees, and past apprentices discuss what Doc Antle was like when studying with Indian spiritualist Swami Satchidananda in the 1980s, and how he built his big cat zoo business using these teachings as a guide. They also offer their personal insights into his alleged criminal behavior, which they argue range from illicit financial dealings and animal cruelty, to sexual misconduct with minors and murder. Excerpts of interviews with Antle, and Tiger King footage highlighting former cat zoo owner Joe Exotic's professional relationship with him are also featured.
Is It Any Good?
This tedious three-episode series plays out like a long-winded tabloid show as people once associated with Doc Antle offer their opinions about the controversial zoo owner, and discuss his (alleged) multiple acts of misconduct. Much of the behavior the self-proclaimed animal conservationist is accused of is specifically connected to the teachings of the late Swami Satchidananda Saraswati, who was publicly accused of being overly controlling, and engaging in sexual misconduct, by former devotees. But as these people, many of whom have appeared in other Tiger King installments, talk about Antle's sexual misconduct, his choice to making money over the conservation of animals, and even speculate about his potential involvement in the death of a former business partner, no hard evidence is offered to supporting what they are saying. There isn't anyone featured to challenge these allegations, either. Meanwhile, the wildlife trafficking charges brought against him by the Virginia Attorney General in 2020, which are the only crimes Antle charged with at the time of the series' release, are only briefly discussed. Overall, Tiger King: The Doc Antle Story is nothing more than a boring, muckraking spectacle designed to capitalize on whatever infamy the franchise has to offer.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the Tiger King franchise. Why has it gotten so much attention? Is this attention merited?
Tiger King: The Doc Antle Story features people speculating about, and alleging, criminal behavior without providing evidence of any of it. Is this appropriate or ethical? What if the allegations turn out to be true?
TV Details
- Premiere date: December 10, 2021
- Cast: Bhagavan “Doc” Antle, Joseph “Joe Exotic” Maldonado-Passage
- Network: Netflix
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-MA
- Last updated: May 6, 2022
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