Cults and Extreme Belief

Overview

Elizabeth Vargas, alongside former members of controversial organizations, goes on a search to uncover how these sects use their influence to prey upon people's desperation to create powerful and often destructive belief systems. Each episode will take an immersive look at one currently active group through the eyes of past devotees and get perspective from believers and leaders that are still inside.

Episodes

NXIVM

S01E01 NXIVM

May 28, 2018 42 min
As a recruiter for multi-level marketing self-help group NXIVM, Sarah Edmondson brought thousands of people to the organization. In October of 2017, she exposed the group as a destructive sex-cult and is now doing everything...
Jehovah's Witnesses

S01E02 Jehovah's Witnesses

May 29, 2018 42 min
Former Jehovah’s Witness Romy Maple–a survivor of child sexual abuse–embarks on a journey to uncover why her pleas for justice were systematically ignored by top members of the organization.
Children of God

S01E03 Children of God

June 5, 2018 42 min
Amy Bril recounts her childhood growing up in the Children of God, a group notorious for pedophilia and “religious” prostitution. Amy and others born and raised in the group are banding together to address a...
U.N.O.I.

S01E04 U.N.O.I.

June 12, 2018 42 min
Growing up in the United Nation of Islam (UNOI), Elijah Muhammad was forced into child labor, physical abuse and squalid living conditions. Today, he has a unique opportunity to speak to the FBI in hope...
World Peace and Unification Sanctuary

S01E05 World Peace and Unification Sanctuary

June 19, 2018 42 min
Former “Moonie” Teddy Hose, tries to alert the public to a gun-obsessed Unification Church offshoot known as the Sanctuary Church of Newfoundland, Pa. Sean Moon, the charismatic leader and a son of the late Reverend...
Twelve Tribes

S01E06 Twelve Tribes

June 26, 2018 42 min
Despite their hippie persona and rustic community businesses, The Twelve Tribes have long stood accused of physically abusing children and subjugating of women. Now disconnected from her family, ex-member Samie Brosseau, works to expose the...
FLDS

S01E07 FLDS

July 3, 2018 42 min
Many believed that the problems within the FLDS community would be solved after sentencing Warren Jeffs. However, when Jeffs was locked away, it left devoted FLDS followers like Norma Richter to face a subsequent humanitarian...
The Survivors Speak Part 1

S01E08 The Survivors Speak Part 1

July 15, 2018 42 min
Former members of different groups meet to discuss their shared experiences with Elizabeth Vargas.
The Survivors Speak Part 2

S01E09 The Survivors Speak Part 2

July 22, 2018 42 min
Former members of different groups meet to discuss their shared experiences with Elizabeth Vargas.

Cast

Elizabeth Vargas
Elizabeth Vargas
Herself
Teddy Hose
Himself
Stephen Kent
Himself
Samie Brosseau
Herself

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