Get ready for a rollercoaster ride of emotions with HBO’s latest four-part documentary series, “Chimp Crazy.”
This eye-opening series, produced and directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Eric Goode, known for his work on “Tiger King,” debuts on Sunday, August 18 from 10:00 p.m to 11:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and will be available for streaming on Max.
New episodes will follow on subsequent Sundays at the same time.
The Synopsis
“Chimp Crazy” follows the fascinating yet controversial life of Tonia Haddix, a former nurse who has turned into an exotic animal broker.
Tonia, who proudly calls herself the “Dolly Parton of chimps,” dedicates her life to caring for chimpanzees in captivity.
Her unwavering affection for one chimpanzee, in particular, spirals into a dramatic game of cat-and-mouse with authorities and animal rights groups.
Through Tonia’s story and those of other “chimp moms,” the series delves into the unique bonds that form between humans and their highly intelligent ape companions.
However, it also highlights the significant risks to both the humans and the chimps involved in these unconventional relationships.
The series offers a captivating mix of humor and heartbreak, unfolding with the suspense of a thriller.
It reveals the secretive world of raising chimpanzees and introduces a colorful cast of characters, each with their own complicated stories.
Tonia cares for seven chimps, including Tonka, a 32-year-old retired Hollywood star who she claims to love more than her own children.
When Tonka goes missing, Tonia finds herself entangled in a lawsuit brought by PETA, leading to a saga involving her family, authorities, an undercover clown, and actor Alan Cumming, who starred with Tonka in the 1997 film “Buddy.”
Episode Descriptions
- Episode One: “Monkey Love” (Debut: Sunday, August 18, 10:00 p.m – 11:00 p.m. ET/PT)
- Tonia Haddix battles to keep her seven chimps at the Missouri Primate Foundation. We meet other chimp moms, including one who raised a baby chimp alongside her own infant daughter.
- Episode Two: “Gone Ape” (Debut: Sunday, August 25, 10:00 p.m – 11:00 p.m. ET/PT)
- PETA investigates the mysterious disappearance of Tonka, a former Hollywood chimp. The episode highlights a high-stakes legal battle reminiscent of a brutal chimp attack years earlier in Connecticut.
- Episode Three: “Head Shot” (Debut: Sunday, September 1, 10:00 p.m – 11:00 p.m. ET/PT)
- Actor Alan Cumming, who has a special bond with Tonka, adds $10,000 to the reward for finding Tonka. The film crew grapples with ethical dilemmas as parallels are drawn to a dangerous PETA case in Oregon.
- Episode Four: “Fantasy Island” (Debut: Sunday, September 8, 10:00 p.m – 11:00 p.m. ET/PT)
- Tonka’s fate becomes clearer, and Tonia dreams of opening an island sanctuary where she can live among chimpanzees.
Watch The ‘Chimp Crazy’ Trailer
Don’t miss this thrilling and deeply emotional exploration of the complex world of captive chimps.
“Chimp Crazy” is set to captivate audiences with its blend of drama, suspense, and heartfelt moments.
Mark your calendars for Sunday, August 18, and get ready to go on an unforgettable journey into the lives of these extraordinary creatures and the humans who care for them.
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