Eric Goode, the filmmaker behind Tiger King and Chimp Crazy, has released a new documentary series titled Monsters of God on HBO, and he has clarified the meaning behind its provocative name. Rather than vilifying the reptiles and amphibians featured in the five-episode series, the title refers to the human traffickers and smugglers who illegally trade in these creatures. Goode explained that the phrase reflects humanity’s historical perspective of dominion over animals through religious frameworks, positioning people as the true monsters in the equation.
The series won the TV Premiere Audience Award at the 2026 SXSW Film & TV Festival and features several individuals involved in illegal wildlife smuggling, including Tommy Crutchfield, described as a reformed reptile trafficker. Crutchfield serendipitously uses the phrase “monsters of God” when referring to the snakes near the end of the series, a moment Goode says drew tears to his eyes. The title was inspired by author David Quammen’s book Monster of God, which focuses on apex predators; Goode and Quammen both serve on the board of Rainforest Trust.
Goode noted that many people in the reptile community initially misunderstood the title, believing it vilified the animals rather than the people exploiting them. Executive producer Jeremy McBride characterized the world depicted in the series as “fraught with a lot of hypocrisy and unintended consequences.” When asked to rank the damage caused by his three documentary projects, Goode emphasized their interconnectedness and noted that wildlife smuggling, while significant, pales in comparison to global bushmeat consumption and wildlife trade.
The series documents the trafficking economy surrounding reptiles and amphibians, showcasing some of Earth’s most visually striking creatures including monitors, Komodo dragons, and Gila monsters. Goode discussed the surprising connection between Gila monster venom and the development of GLP-1 medications, a detail the filmmakers wished to include but found no suitable place for in the final cut. The five-episode Monsters of God premiered Thursday with subsequent episodes airing Thursdays at 9:00 p.m., with the series available to stream on HBO Max.
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