Tiger King became a viral phenomenon when it was first released on Netflix at the start of 2020. Everybody loved the charismatic but deeply flawed human characters that were part of the show and were made aware of the secret lifestyle and culture surrounding illegally-ran zoos.
Netflix has remained a top-dog in the streaming business and has recently branched out into having Netflix-exclusive anime and documentaries. Viewers that enjoyed Tiger King have found that it's unlocked an interest in a different niche than the type of content they usually watch. Luckily, there are plenty of shows that are similar to Tiger King in different ways and are available on Netflix. These shows are worth a watch and some have even been officially compared to Tiger King.
7 Wild Wild Country
While Wild Wild Country doesn't focus on animals or an illegally owned zoo, it is similar to how it is presented; with the events being described through interviews of different people. This 6-part series deals with an Indian guru who managed to build a following in Wasco County that ended up being controversial.
The series is a great watch for people interested in cults that are formed around the world and exploring the inter-dynamics involved with such cults. While the show largely focuses on interviews from people involved in the cult, archival footage is also present that helps to shed some light on events. Those interested in creepy Fallout cults and cults from other games will enjoy watching a real-life documentary focused on a cult.
6 Don't F*** With Cats
Don't F*** With Cats went viral a couple of years back for shedding light on an interesting case where a nationwide manhunt was performed searching for somebody who had committed multiple animal cruelty acts. One of the top five most-watched series of 2019, it's uncomfortable, gripping, and a must-watch.
It may not be as friendly to watch as Tiger King, and it doesn't deal with the same subject matter, but Don't F*** With Cats is similar enough to be interesting to those who enjoy watching documentary-based shows. After watching the show, it's advised to spend a bit of time looking up the cutest cats in games for a mood boost.
5 Killer Inside: The Mind Of Aaron Hernandez
Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez is a documentary series that deals with Aaron Hernandez, who was convicted of the murder of Odin Lloyd back in 2013. The show uses interviews from friends, family members, and colleagues to try and shed light on why Hernandez committed the murder and what may have contributed to it.
The subject matter is obviously dissimilar to Tiger King, but fans of that series' structure and use of interviews will translate well to it. Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez is interesting in its own right and worth watching for those interested in the psychology of killers.
4 Dirty Money
It's important to note that a lot of the main players in Tiger King were depicted as earning money illegally. The supporting cast was also in many ways complicit in the exploitation of legal loopholes surrounding the ownership of exotic cats and the legality of their living facilities. Dirty Money is a world away from backstreet urban animal camps, instead covering corporate corruption and illegal money-earning by the high-flyers of society who approach life as if they're earning money in Grand Theft Auto.
The show covers events such as the Volkswagen emissions scandal, Valeant Pharmaceuticals, and Donald Trump amongst many others. With 12 episodes across two seasons, Dirty Money is a great show for fans of Tiger King and has been praised by critics and audiences alike.
3 Bad Boy Billionaires: India
Bad Boy Billionaires: India focuses on four wealthy business magnates who led a successful life before being accused of corruption and of significant financial scams. The illegality of money earning is a great tie-in to the themes explored in Tiger King, even if the subject matter appears different at first. The men covered were living like they were in a business sim game, which makes for an interesting documentary.
Quite like how Tiger King has resulted in legal complaints, this Bad Boy Billionaires docuseries has also come under scrutiny. Netflix has been involved with legal battles for a while over the series, and it is still unknown whether the final episode will air.
2 Born To Be Wild
A relatively lesser-known documentary series, for those looking for a tamer look into exotic environments, animals, and how people should interact with them, Born to Be Wild is worth a watch. Across multiple episodes, survivalist Andrew Ucles visits across three continents; offering audiences discoveries and insights into the various jungles, rivers, plains, and animals across the planet.
For those viewers of Tiger King who felt upset by the treatment of animals and found them to be the most interesting part of the documentary, they will enjoy a more mood-boosting and easy-going watch. Born to be Wild is great at showing off different exotic creatures in their natural habitat and is well-paced throughout. Gamers who enjoy XBOX One exploration games will enjoy a look into Andrew Ucles' life experiences and insights.
1 Making A Murderer
Making a Murderer is as gritty as it is interesting. It depicts the crimes and life of Steven Avery, who served 18 years for a crime he was wrongly convicted for. Like Tiger King, the show has been critically acclaimed and sparked its fair share of controversy since its release. It has gone on to have further seasons, and with it has come more legal trouble.
While the subject matter is quite different from Tiger King, Making a Murderer is equally surprising and compelling and is well worth a watch through. It gives a realistic look into grim murder methods and the legal system's role in identifying a guilty party.