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.
In the late 50's Jim Jones founded the People's Temple focused on helping those in need. By 1975 he was setting up what was supposed to be a utopia known as Jonestown. But utopia quickly turned into a hell as Jones spiraled deeper into his own paranoia.
In 1997, Heaven's Gate leader Marshall Applewhite convinces 39 people to follow him to their graves; the world sees the event as the largest mass suicide on U.S. soil, but for Applewhite's followers, it is a way to catch a UFO to heaven.
David Berg's 'Children of God' cult attracted thousands of followers, including the late River Phoenix's family, but his message of free love became sinister.
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.
Initially, the Alamo Christian Foundation once held hope for a better society for young people seeking purpose. But when Susan Alamo dies of cancer, Tony reveals his dark side and turns his anger on his followers, including taking multiple child brides.
The followers of cult leader Dwight York come from all walks of life. Ruby joins the Nuwaubian Nation when looking for answers to life's big questions while Niki is brought in as a child. Both become disillusioned as they learn the truth about York.
Deborah and Jim Green believe they're Generals in a holy army for God, for more than 30 years their harsh rule has destroyed families and ruined lives. Cult survivors reveal how the Greens transformed from charismatic hippies into militant cult leaders.
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.
Yahweh Ben Yahweh is a respected religious leader in the 1980s, but behind the facade, he rules his followers with terror and violence. One survivor shares the story of this cult leader whose ruthless tactics ruin hundreds of lives and leaves 14 dead.