HBO premieres Monsters of God Sunday at 9 p.m. ET

HBO has just dropped Monsters of God, a five-part documentary series from Eric Goode, the co-director of Tiger King, that follows the wild world of reptile dealers and the exotic pet trade. The show premieres on Sunday at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max and dives into a subculture where legality and ethics often blur. It features figures like Tom Crutchfield, a longtime reptile collector known for his flamboyant personality and controversial dealings in some of the world’s most restricted wildlife markets.

The series arrives at a moment when the exotic pet trade is under intense scrutiny. Governments and conservation groups are cracking down on the trafficking of rare and endangered species, but black markets still thrive. Goode’s project follows a trail of exotic reptiles—from pythons to tortoises—shipped across borders, often under the radar. The timing reflects growing public fascination with wildlife trafficking, fueled by viral documentaries and social media exposure. It also comes as HBO doubles down on nature and true-crime narratives that blend entertainment with real-world stakes.

Monsters of God doesn’t shy away from the colorful personalities behind the trade. Crutchfield, for instance, has been a polarizing figure for decades, once smuggling endangered iguanas into the U.S. in his underwear. The show also highlights younger dealers who see reptiles as status symbols rather than endangered creatures. Footage includes tense negotiations, hidden holding facilities, and even confrontations with law enforcement. Critics say the series risks glorifying unethical behavior, while supporters argue it exposes a hidden industry worth billions.

What happens next could matter beyond the screen. HBO’s platform gives the show potential to influence public perception and policy around exotic pet ownership. Conservationists hope it sparks outrage over illegal trade, while dealers may see it as promotion. Either way, Monsters of God adds fuel to a debate that’s only getting hotter: How much freedom should humans have in owning—or trafficking—wildlife?