Is ‘Depp v. Heard’ the Next ‘Tiger King?’

America needed Netflix more than ever when the U.S. government locked down the country during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Enter Joseph Allen Maldonado, better known as Joe Exotic.

pretty sure it’s episode 5 “make america exotic again” https://t.co/X5sroDQLY8

— Ian Sagstetter (@iansagstette) July 25, 2023

The star of the Netflix docuseries “Tiger King” entertained a country forced to stay home for weeks on end. The series teemed with larger than life characters, but the rigorous storytelling and compelling angles sealed the deal.

We were glued to the set.

It’s not unlike the country’s reaction to the defamation trial of Johnny Depp versus former flame Amber Heard last year. That celebrity trial didn’t reach O.J. Simpson-level obsession, but the country watched the unfolding trial with rapt attention.

One key difference between the two mega-trials? Social media and Influencer Nation. 

That’s the angle Netflix appears to pursue in the upcoming “Depp v. Heard.”

Depp v Heard is a three-part series examining the infamous defamation case that captured the world’s attention and became the world’s first trial by TikTok. Showing both testimonies side-by-side for the first time, this series explores this global media event, questioning the nature of truth and the role it plays in our modern society.

The docuseries, debuting Aug. 16, takes a macro approach to the trial and its aftermath. You’ll see footage culled from 200 hours of live-streamed trial coverage via mainstream media outlets. Plus, the six-week event is shown as many saw it – through the eyes of their favorite influencers.

America is open for business and leisure once more, but in the dog days of summer a guilty pleasure like “Depp v. Heard” could be the next best thing to more Joe Exotic.