The Netflix seven-part true-crime documentary series about Joseph Maldonado-Passage (aka Joe Exotic), owner of the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park in Oklahoma, was mentioned by several players on video calls arranged by the NHL over the past few days as their favorite show to binge during the break.
"It's insane, it's highly entertaining," New Jersey Devils defenseman P.K. Subban said on a call Thursday.
Columbus Blue Jackets forward Nick Foligno interjected before Subban could share more details.
"I'm watching that right now," Foligno said. "Don't ruin it."
With the NHL pausing its season on March 12, players have been filling their hours with different hobbies and workouts. Though other shows were mentioned, Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals said "Deal or No Deal" was his choice, "Tiger King" has drawn the most interest.
"My wife's been mostly watching; I've seen bits and pieces of it," Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares said on Monday. "It's probably caught as much attention as it has because it's pretty mind-boggling, from what I've seen, some of the stuff that's gone on in the show."
The series, which was released by Netflix on March 20, follows Exotic and his running feud with Carole Baskin, an animal rights activist and owner of Big Cat Rescue, a non-profit animal sanctuary in Tampa, Florida.
"It's just pretty interesting, seeing the animals and the people behind it," said Ottawa Senators forward Brady Tkachuk, who was also the call on Monday.
When Arizona Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson asked for recommendations during a Pacific Division video call on Friday, Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid immediately said "Tiger King."
Defenseman Mark Giordano agreed.
"Oh my God, that show is nuts," Giordano said. "You'll like it, you'll like it. Trust me, buddy. It's the weirdest thing I've seen in a long time."
Ekman-Larsson didn't sound completely sold.
"I don't know if I'm up for that," he said. "But I'll give it a shot."
