A24 and HBO have announced that the five-part documentary series Monsters of God is headed to HBO Max in August. Directed by Eric Goode (Chimp Crazy, Tiger King), Monsters of God is an in-depth look at the billion-dollar reptile smuggling trade and includes interviews with reptile dealers, Tommy Crutchfield, Hank Molt, Anson Wong, Ray and Mike Van Nostrand, Mario Tabraue and Beau Lee Lewi,; author, Bryan Christ,; former U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service special agents, reptile collectors, federal prosecutors, customs agents, reptile handlers, former DEA agent, Larry Loveless, zoo officials, snake breeders and investigative journalist, Steve Chao.
Monsters of God debuted at the 2026 SXSW Film and TV Festival and was awarded the TV Premiere Audience Award. The documentary dives into the bizarre world of exotic animal smuggling, which is “fuelled by extreme obsession for these creatures, driving many to push the boundaries of laws and environmental ethics.”
Goode’s investigation uncovers a network of characters involved in the trade and traces the evolution of the practice back to 1973 and the Endangered Species Act.
Monsters of God
HBO said, “A thrilling exposé of a hidden underworld, Monsters of God warns of the devastating impact of the insatiable desire for the forbidden, and how this mad obsession is pushing some species to the brink of extinction.”
Monsters of God will debut on HBO Max on 7 August 2026. A new episode will be available each subsequent Friday until all five episodes have been released. Monsters of God is a Goode Films Production and A24 Production, in association with Central Pictures.
