In a much-anticipated bonus episode of Tiger King, hosted by the charismatic Joel McHale, viewers were treated to a reunion of sorts featuring various personalities from the infamous docuseries. Released on Easter Sunday, this episode provided updates on familiar faces, but none shone brighter than John Rivers, who dazzled audiences with his remarkable new look.
“Hello, all you cool cats and kittens,” McHale kicked off the episode, playfully referencing the show’s cult following. “We’re currently riding the wave of Tiger King fever! After bingeing the original seven episodes, I couldn’t resist the urge to host a fabulous follow-up with top-notch production value.” Among those joining the video call were Erik the Zoo Keeper, the Lowe couple now managing the G.W. Zoo, John the former manager, and of course, the much-changed John Rivers, who once shared a life with Joe Exotic.
In a light-hearted moment, McHale remarked on Rivers’ fresh appearance, quipping, “When I look at you, there’s something different… oh right, you’re actually wearing a shirt! Seriously though, your smile looks fantastic!” To which Rivers replied, “Thanks! It took a while to get my teeth fixed, but now I’m proud to show them off.”
For those who remember Rivers’ previous look, it’s a dramatic change. The episode also saw him discussing the cover-up of his infamous tattoo that read “Privately Owned by Joe Exotic.” He teased that the new design is “100 times better” but left viewers in suspense about its reveal date.
While Rivers was certainly the highlight, other cast members shared intriguing insights. Erik suggested that Joe Exotic might face a dire fate in prison, while Kirkham surprised everyone by revealing Joe’s fear of big cats, despite his nickname as “The Tiger King.” Joshua, Joe’s former campaign manager, opened up about his struggles following the tragic passing of Joe’s husband and expressed a desire to re-enter politics, while Saffery recounted how footage of his own tiger attack was used as a safety video at the zoo.
If you’re looking to catch this captivating reunion, “The Tiger King and I” is now streaming on Netflix. And for more engaging content, check out this blog post that dives into home insemination options!
In summary, the bonus episode of Tiger King not only showcased John Rivers’ transformation but also provided a platform for cast members to share their ongoing journeys and reflections on their time with Joe Exotic.

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