TMZ Investigates: Tiger King - What Really Went Down?

TMZ Investigates: Tiger King - What Really Went Down? is an engrossing television special from FOX that aired in 2020. This exclusive one-hour special is brought to you by TMZ, the famously fast and furious celebrity news organization known for its no-holds-barred style. This show dives deep into the heart of the viral Netflix documentary series, "Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness," which shook the entertainment world with its unbelievable narratives and intricate character descriptions laced with crime, rivalry, and eccentricity.

Leveraging TMZ's distinct storytelling style, the show thoroughly examines the bizarre, heartbreaking, and fascinating story of Joseph Maldonado-Passage, better known as "Joe Exotic", and his rivals that caught the world's attention. This standalone special provides viewers the opportunity to learn more about the sensational saga that explores the life of a man who once ran a private zoo in Oklahoma with more than 200 tigers and other exotic animals.

As the title suggests, TMZ Investigates seeks to answer the question about what really went down in the life of Joe Exotic and the shady underworld of exotic animal breeding in the US. The program promises to reveal never-before-seen footage and exclusive interviews that didn't make the final cut of Netflix’s original series.

The show orchestrates a deep dive into the unanswered questions from the original series. Was Carole Baskin, Joe’s arch-nemesis and Big Cat Rescue owner, involved in her millionaire husband Don Lewis' unsolved disappearance? What drove Joe Exotic to plot Carole’s murder, leading to his conviction? Was he set up? The show attempts to piece together the puzzle of these circumstances, as well as the litany of other crimes Joe Exotic was convicted of, offering fresh perspectives and untold stories.

TMZ's reporters investigate these burning questions with their signature audacious approach, interviewing key characters from the series and the law enforcement officers involved in the case. They also reach out to new, previously unheard voices who have insights into this wild, real-life drama.

TMZ Investigates: Tiger King does not just stop at the celebrated battle between Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin, but it also looks at other, equally eccentric characters who played key roles in the saga. The special delves into the often outlandish and larger-than-life personalities of these figures, which include but are not limited to polygamists, alleged cult leaders and drug kingpins.

Alongside these investigations into the real-life events depicted in the original series, TMZ offers broader context on big cat breeding and the exotic pet trade in the United States. The special covers the ethical concerns and legalities surrounding these practices. It probes the controversies and the prevalent loophole in the law that allows the ownership and breeding of large, often dangerous animals as pets.

TMZ Investigates: Tiger King - What Really Went Down? offers viewers an expanded look into the provocative and disturbing reality behind the lurid headlines. Aided by the news machinery of TMZ, the show injects new life into the saga, serving up a solid dish of investigative journalism coupled with the right amount of sensation. This special is ideal for viewers who enjoyed the original series and were hungry for more. It is also an excellent entry point for anyone who missed the original Tiger King fever but wishes to understand the craze.

The interesting mix of investigative reporting, pop culture, and true crime is what makes TMZ Investigates: Tiger King an intriguing watch. While Tiger King portrayed the players in this strange, twisted episode of American life, TMZ Investigates strives to get to the core of the controversy, aiding viewers in their hunt for truth and understanding. The strange world of Tiger King continues to captivate and intrigue, and this special from TMZ provides a fresh lens on the ongoing saga.