People Magazine Investigates: Cults — Season 2
About this season
People Magazine 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. Explore the deeply disturbing world of cults through the eyes of survivors who managed to escape.
Episodes (6)
1. Children of God
Aired 3 June 2019 • 43 min
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, espousing prostitution, sexual abuse of children and rampant violence in prison camps.
2. Manson Family Murders
Aired 10 June 2019 • 43 min
In the late 60's, Charles Manson entices dozens of young women to live with him in a California desert commune. The facade breaks when he orders his followers to commit a string of murders that 50 years later, still haunt the nation's psyche.
3. Heaven's Gate
Aired 17 June 2019 • 43 min
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.
4. The Sinful Messiah
Aired 24 June 2019 • 43 min
In 2014, a severed human leg draws attentions to The Work, an apocalyptic cult. Known as the Sinful Messiah, Julius Schacknow declares total devotion and terrible sacrifice, called the "special work," as the only way to achieve eternal salvation.
5. The Movement of God
Aired 1 July 2019 • 43 min
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.
6. Word of Faith
Aired 8 July 2019 • 43 min
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.