Unpacking the Phenomenon: How Did Social Media Turn Netflix’s Tiger King into a Cultural Icon?
Netflix’s documentary-series ‘Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness,’ ignited conversations worldwide and dominated social media platforms for weeks on end. Joe Exotic, the show’s center character, became a cultural icon overnight, and the series generated a level of hype seldom seen before.
Why did this happen?
What Is Tiger King?
Tiger King is not only a true-crime documentary series; it is also a study of a diverse cast of intriguing characters and a unique slice of American history. The series follows the life of Joe Exotic, a flamboyant owner of an Oklahoma roadside zoo, and the world of big cat ownership in the United States.
Tiger King and Social Media
Netflix officially released Tiger King on March 20th. By the 26th, it was the number one show in America. By April 9th, it had been viewed by approximately 34 million people in the US, hitting the same heights as pop culture sensations like Stranger Things, Orange is the New Black and Birdbox.
However, the show’s success is attributed in no small part to the way in which the audience interacted with it on social media. People started posting memes, reviews, and reactions. Joe Exotic himself became an Internet meme of his own creation. Social media became the critical medium through which fans could voice their reactions to the show and share their thoughts and feelings about Joe Exotic and his unique take on big cat ownership.
Character Analysis
The quirky cast of characters in Tiger King was another significant factor that contributed to the series’ success. Each character added their unique and entertaining spin to the show, making it binge-worthy TV. From Joe Exotic’s eccentric personality to Carole Baskin’s villain persona, every character was discussed and dissected on social media.
However, it was Joe Exotic who stole most of the show’s attention. Fans connected with his flamboyant personality, wild fashion sense, and eccentric behavior. Joe Exotic played the anti-hero role, someone who was often seen as being misguided and weird but ultimately relatable.
Controversies Ignited Conversations
Tiger King’s potential for cliffhangers and twists were enough to keep audiences glued. The controversy surrounding the characters of Joe, Carole, and others, along with the various conspiracies related to their actions, was another factor that ignited chatter on social media.
The series also threw light upon the world’s big cat ownership, providing shocking insights into the questionable practices and dangerous handling of animals. The show led to a considerable backlash against the industry and inspired a series of petitions seeking the closure of establishments that practice big cat ownership.
Conclusion
Tiger King’s success is not accidental, but rather the outcome of a perfect storm of engaging personalities, social media, controversy, and captivating storytelling. No matter the reasons behind the series’ achievement, it’s quite apparent that it made a massive impact on popular culture and undoubtedly changed the big cat ownership conversation in America.
Tiger King proved that even a documentary-series, can become a cultural sensation when combined with the right elements and social media interaction. The line between reality and entertainment continues to blur, but to what extent are we participating in ethical and moral conversations as we indulge in what’s trending?
