True Crime Series On Netflix Called A 'Must-Watch' With A Perfect Rating

This documentary makes Tiger King look mild in comparison.

Damjan

• Published in Film & TV
• December 16, 2024

True crime documentaries have captured the public's imagination for years, offering a deep dive into perplexing real-life stories. Netflix, in particular, has become a go-to platform for such content, often releasing documentaries that leave viewers stunned and intrigued.

From revisiting chilling cold cases like the murder of JonBenet Ramsey to heart-wrenching tales of missing persons, the streaming giant has managed to captivate audiences with its compelling and unpredictable stories. However, Netflix's latest offering has reached new levels of craziness, to the point where some viewers are comparing it to the infamous Tiger King series.

Released on December 11, Kings of Tupelo: A Southern Crime Drama is a three-part documentary that tells the bizarre story of Paul Curtis, an Elvis impersonator who was wrongly accused of attempting to poison former U.S. President Barack Obama.

The documentary, which has quickly garnered praise for its wild twists and shocking details, explores how Paul’s life was dramatically changed when he was arrested in 2013 after ricin-laced letters were sent to Obama and two other officials.

Ricin, a potent toxin derived from the waste left when castor beans are processed into castor oil, can be lethal in small doses. It works quickly, causing symptoms like vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and severe kidney damage, often leading to death within a few days.

This deadly poison became the centerpiece of a scandal that spiraled into an investigation, during which Paul Curtis found himself at the center of a crime he didn’t commit.

The documentary has been described as even wilder than Tiger King.

In his hometown of Tupelo, Mississippi, Paul was well-known as part of a local Elvis tribute act with his brother. But his fame didn’t stop there. In the late 1990s, Paul’s work in a hospital morgue led him to uncover a disturbing practice: the illegal trafficking and sale of human body parts.

Outraged by this, he became a vocal advocate against it, even drafting a bill to ban the sale of body parts in Mississippi. Little did he know that his passion for justice would soon make him a target.

While Paul was outspoken on social media and had even gained support for his anti-body trafficking campaign, these very activities would later be used to frame him for the ricin-laced letters. The documentary reveals how the investigation into the poisonings quickly turned into a case of mistaken identity, with Paul Curtis caught in the crossfire.

Throughout the ordeal, Paul maintained his innocence, and his community was left in disbelief when the actual perpetrator was eventually revealed.

The twists in this story are so outlandish that Netflix viewers have been left in awe. Many fans have already taken to social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), to express their astonishment.

The consensus is clear: Kings of Tupelo is one of the most bizarre and entertaining documentaries Netflix has ever produced. One user described it as "the wildest, most insane true crime docuseries to date," going so far as to declare it superior to Tiger King in terms of sheer unpredictability.

Comparisons to Tiger King are inevitable, as both documentaries feature eccentric characters and unbelievable events. The latter, which focused on Joe Exotic's chaotic life, took the world by storm in 2020 and became a cultural phenomenon. 

Kings of Tupelo, with its peculiar cast of characters and outlandish plot twists, seems to have taken up the mantle of the craziest true crime series, at least for now. One viewer even declared it "the new Tiger King," a bold statement given the lasting impact of the latter series.

Paul Curtis and his brother Jack perform together as the Elvis tribute duo Double Trouble.

The documentary’s success lies not just in its gripping story but also in its ability to present an almost unbelievable narrative that is, in fact, entirely true. From Paul's innocent campaign to his wrongful arrest and eventual dismissal, the documentary unfolds like a roller coaster of emotions, leaving viewers glued to their screens, eager to discover what happens next.

"The Kings of Tupelo: A Southern Crime Saga | Official Trailer | Netflix "

Netflix has always excelled at delivering shocking and captivating true crime stories, but Kings of Tupelo takes this to a new level. As viewers continue to binge-watch the series, it’s clear that this documentary has struck a chord with those who appreciate the wild, unexpected, and sometimes downright strange stories that true crime can offer.

Kings of Tupelo is a perfect example of how the true crime genre can captivate audiences by showcasing real-life events that are, in some ways, stranger than fiction. For those looking for a documentary that will keep them on the edge of their seats, Kings of Tupelo is undoubtedly worth a watch—and it may end up being Netflix's next true crime sensation.

Damjan