The phenomenon that is ‘Tiger King’ has taken the world by storm, and though I was curious, I quickly realized it wasn’t for me, even from the trailers. As a parent, I often advise my kids against following trends for the sake of it, but I didn’t heed my own words this time, resulting in a cringe-worthy binge of four episodes. What ensued was a series of nightmares that plagued my sleep for days. Here’s why I found this show utterly unbearable.
It’s Just Plain Cruel
Let me clarify: I’ve been to a circus with my kids and had to leave early, watching their disappointment as we drove away. I couldn’t stomach the cruelty displayed before my eyes. The loud music, the whips used to manipulate animals into performing tricks—it was heart-wrenching. Seeing majestic creatures like tigers and elephants dressed up and jumping through fire made me feel like their very essence was being stripped away.
So, watching animals confined in small cages while people gawk at them and pay exorbitant fees? That infuriates me. Joe Exotic and his counterpart, Lila Banks, are clearly motivated by profit and seem to care little for the well-being of these creatures. Their claims of “rescue” ring hollow to me.
Seriously, These People Are Cult Leaders
The individuals featured in this series resemble cult leaders more than anything else. Lila Banks, who runs a so-called sanctuary, has employees working grueling hours without pay, even on holidays, despite her millionaire status. And don’t even get me started on Joe Exotic. When one of his workers, Jamie “Saff” Saffery, lost an arm to a tiger, what did Joe say? “I’m never going to financially recover from this.” Talk about misplaced priorities. He was more concerned about his business than the well-being of a human being. The living conditions of his employees were no better—infestations of pests and no basic amenities.
Then you have Dr. Theo Antle, who runs a safari attraction and sees women as mere possessions to control. He dictates every aspect of their lives, from how they dress to their body modifications. This is not just entertaining; it’s alarming to witness such manipulation unfold in real life.
Joe’s Self-Absorption Is Disturbing
Throughout the show, Joe Exotic exhibits a level of narcissism that’s unsettling. He believes everyone aspires to be him, and that delusion is apparent. His fixation on Lila Banks borders on obsession, and I struggled to connect with someone so self-important, lacking basic respect for both animals and humans alike.
The Show Left Me Emotionally Drained
It’s not an exaggeration when I say that ‘Tiger King’ affected my mood for days. As an empath, I found it profoundly disturbing to see how these individuals treated one another and the animals. I couldn’t bring myself to watch beyond the four episodes, despite the show’s popularity. I have no interest in the mystery of Lila’s husband or any further developments. I simply wanted to erase the experience from my mind.
While many rave about this series, I find it baffling and disappointing that it has gained such a following. If you’re looking for a worthwhile use of your time, there are better options out there. I didn’t laugh once during Joe’s cringeworthy music videos; rather, I was left with a sense of hopelessness regarding the treatment of animals and individuals in the show.
In summary, my experience with ‘Tiger King’ was overwhelmingly negative. For anyone interested in exploring more about family planning and home insemination, check out this comprehensive guide on artificial insemination kits from an authority on the topic. For additional resources, the CDC offers excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination.

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