{ "id": "epz688vgdk", "slug": "joe-vs-carole", "title": "Joe vs. Carole", "updated": "2026-11-01", "topic_path": [ { "id": "culture", "label": "Arts and culture", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture" }, { "id": "culture.performance", "label": "Screen and stage", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance" }, { "id": "culture.performance.screen", "label": "Film and television", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance.screen" }, { "id": "culture.performance.screen.series", "label": "Series and fictional screen worlds", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance.screen.series" }, { "id": "culture.performance.screen.series.series_scripted_tv", "label": "Scripted television and comedy series", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance.screen.series.series_scripted_tv" }, { "id": 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"geo.us.t2021.culture.performance.screen.series.series_scripted_tv.drama-prestige-series.crime-and-thriller-series", "label": "United States · 2021 and later: Crime and thriller series", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us.t2021.culture.performance.screen.series.series_scripted_tv.drama-prestige-series.crime-and-thriller-series", "path": [ { "id": "geo.us", "label": "United States", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us" }, { "id": "geo.us.t2021", "label": "United States · 2021 and later", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us.t2021" }, { "id": "geo.us.t2021.culture", "label": "Arts and culture", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us.t2021.culture" }, { "id": "geo.us.t2021.culture.performance", "label": "Screen and stage", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us.t2021.culture.performance" }, { "id": "geo.us.t2021.culture.performance.screen", "label": "Film and television", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us.t2021.culture.performance.screen" }, { "id": "geo.us.t2021.culture.performance.screen.series", "label": "Series and fictional screen worlds", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us.t2021.culture.performance.screen.series" }, { "id": "geo.us.t2021.culture.performance.screen.series.series_scripted_tv", "label": "Scripted television and comedy series", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us.t2021.culture.performance.screen.series.series_scripted_tv" }, { "id": "geo.us.t2021.culture.performance.screen.series.series_scripted_tv.drama-prestige-series", "label": "Drama and prestige series (individual series)", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us.t2021.culture.performance.screen.series.series_scripted_tv.drama-prestige-series" }, { "id": "geo.us.t2021.culture.performance.screen.series.series_scripted_tv.drama-prestige-series.crime-and-thriller-series", "label": "Crime and thriller series", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us.t2021.culture.performance.screen.series.series_scripted_tv.drama-prestige-series.crime-and-thriller-series" } ] } ], "excerpt": "Joe vs. Carole is a 2022 Peacock eight-episode limited drama, created by Etan Frankel from the Wondery podcast Joe Exotic: Tiger King, starring Kate McKinnon as Carole Baskin and John Cameron Mitchell as Joe Exotic, filmed in Queensland.", "snippet": "Joe vs. Carole is a 2022 Peacock eight-episode limited drama, created by Etan Frankel from the Wondery podcast Joe Exotic: Tiger King, starring Kate McKinnon as Carole Baskin and John Cameron Mitchell as Joe Exotic, filmed in Queensland.", "node": "culture.performance.screen.series.series_scripted_tv.drama-prestige-series.crime-and-thriller-series.psychological-and-domestic-thrillers", "markdown": "# Joe vs. Carole\n\n**Joe vs. Carole** is an American drama limited series of eight episodes that dramatizes the feud between big-cat sanctuary owner [Carole Baskin](https://www.edgepedia.org/carole-baskin) and roadside zoo operator [Joe Exotic](https://www.edgepedia.org/joe-exotic), the real-life conflict made famous by the 2020 Netflix documentary *Tiger King*. It was created by Etan Frankel for the streaming service Peacock and premiered there on March 3, 2022, with all eight episodes released the same day[1](https://www.crew-united.com/en/Joe-vs-Carole__357508.html) • [2](https://epguides.com/JoevsCarole/). Rather than adapting the documentary, the series is officially based on the Wondery true-crime podcast *Joe Exotic: Tiger King*, hosted and reported by Robert Moor, the second season of Wondery's *Over My Dead Body*[3](https://oldbrief.promax.org/index.php/article/peacocks-joe-vs-carole) • [2](https://epguides.com/JoevsCarole/).\n\n| Key fact | Detail |\n|---|---|\n| Format | Limited series, 8 episodes, running 46 to 54 minutes, rated TV-MA[4](https://www.peacocktv.com/watch-online/tv/joe-vs.-carole/6531723906742538112) |\n| Premiere | March 3, 2022 on Peacock (US); March 4, 2022 on Stan (Australia)[1](https://www.crew-united.com/en/Joe-vs-Carole__357508.html) • [5](https://screenqueensland.com.au/app/uploads/2025/05/Annual-Review-Screen-Queensland-2021%E2%80%9322-3.pdf) |\n| Source material | Wondery podcast *Joe Exotic: Tiger King* by Robert Moor; created by Etan Frankel[3](https://oldbrief.promax.org/index.php/article/peacocks-joe-vs-carole) • [6](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11280716/fullcredits/) |\n| Lead cast | Kate McKinnon as Carole Baskin, John Cameron Mitchell as Joe Exotic, Kyle MacLachlan as Howard Baskin[7](https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/joe-vs-carole/cast/1060123563/) |\n| Directors | Justin Tipping (5 episodes) and Natalie Bailey (3 episodes)[6](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11280716/fullcredits/) |\n| Filming | Shot from July 2021 over five months at Screen Queensland Studios, Brisbane, employing about 300 Queenslanders and injecting an estimated $31.7 million into the state economy[5](https://screenqueensland.com.au/app/uploads/2025/05/Annual-Review-Screen-Queensland-2021%E2%80%9322-3.pdf) |\n| Reception | 33% on the Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer (27 reviews) against an 85% Popcornmeter; Metascore 53; IMDb 6.3/10[8](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/joe_vs_carole) • [7](https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/joe-vs-carole/cast/1060123563/) • [9](https://www.justwatch.com/us/tv-show/joe-vs-carole) |\n\n## Spoilers\n\n### Premise and point of view\n\nThe series follows Carole Baskin, a big-cat rescuer who sets out to end roadside zoo operator Joe Exotic's animal shows and cub-breeding business, inciting a bitter 10-year feud that threatens both of their livelihoods[7](https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/joe-vs-carole/cast/1060123563/). Where *Tiger King* centered Joe Exotic, this adaptation focuses more on Baskin's point of view[10](https://www.thewrap.com/joe-vs-carole-cast-characters-tiger-king/). The synopsis also flags that Carole has a checkered past of her own, and that Joe will stop at nothing to expose what he sees as her hypocrisy[8](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/joe_vs_carole).\n\nEvery episode opens with a disclaimer stating that while the program is based on real events, certain parts have been fictionalized and are not intended to reflect on any actual person or entity[11](https://www.thewrap.com/joe-vs-carole-review-peacock-tiger-king-kate-mckinnon/).\n\n### Episodes\n\nAll eight episodes were released on Peacock on March 3, 2022[2](https://epguides.com/JoevsCarole/):\n\n1. \"Unwanted Animals\" (47 min) – a rivalry begins to develop between the proprietor of an exotic animal zoo and a woman committed to rescuing big cats[4](https://www.peacocktv.com/watch-online/tv/joe-vs.-carole/6531723906742538112)\n2. \"Sanctuary\" (52 min) – Joe road-trips to Florida; Carole sets her sights on taking down another big cat owner[4](https://www.peacocktv.com/watch-online/tv/joe-vs.-carole/6531723906742538112)\n3. \"Don\" (54 min) – Carole sues Joe, who retaliates by spreading an old rumor that she killed her ex-husband[4](https://www.peacocktv.com/watch-online/tv/joe-vs.-carole/6531723906742538112)\n4. \"A Gun-Toting, Animal-Loving, Mullet-Wearing Motherf**king Star\" (52 min) – Joe's videos threaten Carole's legislative efforts, and Joe tries to elevate his internet presence[4](https://www.peacocktv.com/watch-online/tv/joe-vs.-carole/6531723906742538112)\n5. \"The Tiger King\" (50 min) – Carole tries to turn those closest to Joe against him; Rick films a wedding at the zoo[4](https://www.peacocktv.com/watch-online/tv/joe-vs.-carole/6531723906742538112)\n6. \"A Fairy Tale\" (50 min) – Joe finds a new partner and pursues his political aspirations; Carole prepares for Congress[4](https://www.peacocktv.com/watch-online/tv/joe-vs.-carole/6531723906742538112)\n7. \"The Florida Problem\" (46 min) – Joe finds a solution to his problems with Carole; Carole hires a security detail[4](https://www.peacocktv.com/watch-online/tv/joe-vs.-carole/6531723906742538112)\n8. \"Survival of the Fittest\" (54 min) – Joe and Dillon go on the run; a discovery is made at the zoo; Carole prepares to testify[4](https://www.peacocktv.com/watch-online/tv/joe-vs.-carole/6531723906742538112)\n\n## Cast and production\n\n**Principal cast.** [Kate McKinnon](https://www.edgepedia.org/kate-mckinnon) plays Carole Baskin and [John Cameron Mitchell](https://www.edgepedia.org/john-cameron-mitchell) plays Joe \"Exotic\" Schreibvogel, with [Kyle MacLachlan](https://www.edgepedia.org/kyle-maclachlan) as Baskin's husband Howard[7](https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/joe-vs-carole/cast/1060123563/). The supporting cast includes Brian Van Holt as John Reinke, Sam Keeley as John Finlay, Nat Wolff as Travis Maldonado, Dean Winters as Jeff Lowe, William Fichtner as Rick Kirkham, Anthony J. Sharpe as Erik Cowie, and Damien Garvey as Doc Antle[7](https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/joe-vs-carole/cast/1060123563/).\n\n**Behind the camera.** Etan Frankel created the series, wrote for television, and executive produced alongside Kate McKinnon, Alex Katsnelson, Marshall Lewy, Aaron Hart, and Justin Tipping[6](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11280716/fullcredits/) • [8](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/joe_vs_carole). Directing duties were split between Justin Tipping, with five episodes, and Natalie Bailey, with three[6](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11280716/fullcredits/). Nick Urata composed the music, and production came from Peacock Productions and the Australian company Matchbox Pictures[1](https://www.crew-united.com/en/Joe-vs-Carole__357508.html).\n\n**Filming in Queensland.** Principal photography began in July 2021 and occupied Screen Queensland Studios in Brisbane for five months[5](https://screenqueensland.com.au/app/uploads/2025/05/Annual-Review-Screen-Queensland-2021%E2%80%9322-3.pdf). The production employed approximately 300 Queenslanders and injected an estimated $31.7 million into the state economy[5](https://screenqueensland.com.au/app/uploads/2025/05/Annual-Review-Screen-Queensland-2021%E2%80%9322-3.pdf). [The Australian](https://www.edgepedia.org/the-australian) cinematography publication reported the eight-part series was shot in [Queensland](https://www.edgepedia.org/queensland) in late 2021 and released in Australia through Stan[12](https://cinematographer.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Issue_93_Mar2022_finalwebres-3.pdf).\n\n## Reception\n\nCritical response was divided. On Rotten Tomatoes the season holds a 33% Tomatometer from 27 reviews, while audiences gave it an 85% Popcornmeter score from more than 50 ratings[8](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/joe_vs_carole). The site's critics consensus says Kate McKinnon and John Cameron Mitchell do an admirable job of bringing the larger-than-life figures back down to earth, but that the series feels like a pale retread of an already overdone tale[13](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/joe_vs_carole/s01).\n\n**Positive readings.** The Guardian's review called it wildly entertaining and surprisingly sensitive, praising both leads as perfectly cast and noting that the series avoids tipping into parody while addressing the tragedies the documentary told bombastically[14](https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/mar/04/joe-vs-carole-review-its-tiger-king-the-drama-and-its-surprisingly-sensitive). TheWrap described it as a surprisingly classy retelling, singling out Mitchell's performance and Kyle MacLachlan's Howard Baskin[11](https://www.thewrap.com/joe-vs-carole-review-peacock-tiger-king-kate-mckinnon/). The Harvard Crimson, while critical overall, called McKinnon's work a standout performance and argued the series fleshes out both characters in a more sympathetic and well-rounded manner[15](https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2022/3/22/joe-vs-carole-show-review-tiger-king-adaptation/).\n\n**Negative readings.** The Crimson argued that a scripted adaptation inherently lacks the suspense that made the documentary compelling, since viewers already know the outcome, and criticized the CGI animals as painfully distracting[15](https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2022/3/22/joe-vs-carole-show-review-tiger-king-adaptation/). The Novastream review of the first four episodes found that a lack of engaging story elements, underdeveloped characters, and cheap production value outshine a fun lead performance from John Cameron Mitchell[16](https://novastreamnetwork.com/tv/review-joe-vs-carole-episodes-1-4/). Reviewers also observed that the series arrived roughly two years after *Tiger King* became a pandemic-era phenomenon, a gap the Crimson suggested made it unrealistic to expect the audience would stick around[15](https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2022/3/22/joe-vs-carole-show-review-tiger-king-adaptation/).\n\n## Availability\n\nThe series streams on Peacock in the United States and can be purchased digitally on platforms including Apple TV, Prime Video, and Google TV[9](https://www.justwatch.com/us/tv-show/joe-vs-carole) • [17](https://www.moviefone.com/tv-shows/joe-exotic/UrdKulipYLH7AHpRcdXwI7/where-to-watch/). In Australia it premiered on Stan[5](https://screenqueensland.com.au/app/uploads/2025/05/Annual-Review-Screen-Queensland-2021%E2%80%9322-3.pdf).\n\n## References\n\n1. [Joe vs. Carole, Crew United](https://www.crew-united.com/en/Joe-vs-Carole__357508.html)\n2. [Joe vs. Carole – a Titles & Air Dates Guide, epguides](https://epguides.com/JoevsCarole/)\n3. [It's War in Peacock's 'Joe vs Carole', Promax Brief](https://oldbrief.promax.org/index.php/article/peacocks-joe-vs-carole)\n4. [Watch Joe vs Carole, Peacock](https://www.peacocktv.com/watch-online/tv/joe-vs.-carole/6531723906742538112)\n5. [Screen Queensland Annual Review 2021–22](https://screenqueensland.com.au/app/uploads/2025/05/Annual-Review-Screen-Queensland-2021%E2%80%9322-3.pdf)\n6. [Joe vs. Carole (TV Mini Series 2022) – Full cast & crew, IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11280716/fullcredits/)\n7. [Joe vs. Carole – Full Cast & Crew, TV Guide](https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/joe-vs-carole/cast/1060123563/)\n8. [Joe vs Carole, Rotten Tomatoes](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/joe_vs_carole)\n9. [Joe vs Carole – streaming tv show online, JustWatch](https://www.justwatch.com/us/tv-show/joe-vs-carole)\n10. [Joe vs. Carole Cast and Character Guide, TheWrap](https://www.thewrap.com/joe-vs-carole-cast-characters-tiger-king/)\n11. [Joe vs. Carole Review, TheWrap](https://www.thewrap.com/joe-vs-carole-review-peacock-tiger-king-kate-mckinnon/)\n12. [ACS Magazine Issue 93, Australian Cinematographers Society](https://cinematographer.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Issue_93_Mar2022_finalwebres-3.pdf)\n13. [Joe vs Carole: Season 1, Rotten Tomatoes](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/joe_vs_carole/s01)\n14. [Joe vs Carole review, The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/mar/04/joe-vs-carole-review-its-tiger-king-the-drama-and-its-surprisingly-sensitive)\n15. ['Joe vs. Carole' Review: Too Little Too Late, The Harvard Crimson](https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2022/3/22/joe-vs-carole-show-review-tiger-king-adaptation/)\n16. [Review – Joe vs Carole (Episodes 1-4), Novastream](https://novastreamnetwork.com/tv/review-joe-vs-carole-episodes-1-4/)\n17. [Joe vs Carole (2022): Where to Watch & Stream, Moviefone](https://www.moviefone.com/tv-shows/joe-exotic/UrdKulipYLH7AHpRcdXwI7/where-to-watch/)\n\n---\n*Topic: Encyclopedia › Arts and culture › Screen and stage › Film and television › Series and fictional screen worlds › Scripted television and comedy series › Drama and prestige series (individual series) › Crime and thriller series › Psychological and domestic thrillers*\n\n*Initially written Oct 3, 2026 · Reviewed: Oct 25, 2026 · Edited: Oct 15, 2026; Oct 25, 2026; Nov 1, 2026 · Last review: Oct 25, 2026*\n\n*Copyright 2026 EdgeChat AI, a subsidiary of Biostate AI.*\n\nLicense: Edgepedia Community License 1.0, https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license\n", "same_as": [], "url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/joe-vs-carole", "markdown_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/joe-vs-carole.md", "license": { "name": "Edgepedia Community License 1.0", "url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license", "summary": "Free with credit, commercial use included. AI training is open to everyone. For other uses, organizations over USD 100M in revenue or 100M monthly users license separately.", "spdx": "LicenseRef-Edgepedia-Community-1.0" }, "credit": "\"Joe vs. Carole\", Edgepedia (EdgeChat), https://www.edgepedia.org/joe-vs-carole. Edgepedia Community License 1.0.", "credit_md": "\"[Joe vs. Carole](https://www.edgepedia.org/joe-vs-carole)\", Edgepedia (EdgeChat), [https://www.edgepedia.org/joe-vs-carole](https://www.edgepedia.org/joe-vs-carole). [Edgepedia Community License 1.0](https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license).", "credit_html": "\"Joe vs. Carole\", Edgepedia (EdgeChat), https://www.edgepedia.org/joe-vs-carole. Edgepedia Community License 1.0.", "speakable": "Joe vs." }