People Magazine Investigates: Cults
People Magazine Investigates: Cults explores shocking stories of ordinary people who, lured by promises of eternal life, get caught up in a terrifying web of abuse, deception, and manipulation. PEOPLE journalists cover the deeply disturbing world of cults through the eyes of survivors who managed to escape.
- 2018-2019
- 2 seasons
- Documentary
People Magazine Investigates: Cults explores shocking stories of ordinary people who, lured by promises of eternal life, get caught up in a terrifying web of abuse, deception, and manipulation. PEOPLE journalists cover the deeply disturbing world of cults through the eyes of survivors who managed to escape.
Season 2 Episode Guide
6 Episodes 2019
Episode 1
Children of God
Mon, Jun 3, 2019 42 mins
A self proclaimed prophet David Berg attracts thousands of followers as the Children of God cult spreads through communes around the world. But his free love message turns sinister, encouraging prostitution, sexual abuse of children and rampant violence in prison camps.
Episode 2
Manson Family Murders
Mon, Jun 10, 2019 42 mins
In the late 60s, Charles Manson entices dozens of young women to live with him in a California desert commune. The facade breaks when Manson orders his followers to commit a string of gruesome murders that 50 years later, still haunt the nation's psyche.
Episode 3
Heaven's Gate
Mon, Jun 17, 2019 43 mins
In 1997, Heaven's Gate leader, Marshall Applewhite convinced 39 people to follow him to their graves. The world knows the horrible event as the largest mass suicide on US soil, but for followers, it was an exit strategy towards catching a UFO to heaven.
Episode 4
The Sinful Messiah
Mon, Jun 24, 2019 42 mins
In 2014, a severed human leg draws attentions to The Work, an apocalyptic cult. Known as the Sinful Messiah, Julius Shacknow declares total devotion and terrible sacrifice, called the "special work," as the only way to achieve eternal salvation.
Episode 5
The Movement of God
Mon, Jul 1, 2019 42 mins
Charismatic preacher Sam Fife inspires a worldwide network of nondenominational Christian groups. To prepare for the apocalypse, followers renounce everything to move to the wilderness where they're subjected to beatings, exorcisms and brainwashing.
Episode 6
Word of Faith
Mon, Jul 8, 2019 42 mins
To this day, lost souls flock to North Carolina where they're promised deliverance from demons by Pastor Jane Whaley at the Word of Faith Fellowship. But deliverance comes at a price, including beatings, medical horrors, and psychological abuse.