Series synopsis
People Magazine Investigates: Cults is an American crime documentary television series that premiered on Investigation Discovery on June 4, 2018. It stars Theresa Croft, Anna Andersen and Jim Jones.
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.
Premise
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.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Theresa Croft
- Anna Andersen as Kristel Leonard
- Jim Jones as Self (archive footage)
Guest cast
- Anna Andersen as Kristel Leonard
- Jim Jones as Self (archive footage)
Episodes
This series spans 2 seasons with 12 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 6 | June 4, 2018 | July 9, 2018 |
| Season 2 | 6 | June 3, 2019 | July 8, 2019 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Tony Alamo Ministries 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. |
June 4, 2018 |
| 2 |
Jonestown Massacre 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 he spiraled deeper into his own paranoia. |
June 11, 2018 |
| 3 |
Word of Life The Word of Life Church, starts as a small bible study group led by Pastor Jerry Irwin. After his death, his daughter Tiffanie gains control and makes life hell for the church followers, leading to the brutal death of a teenaged boy. |
June 18, 2018 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Children of God 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. |
June 3, 2019 |
| 2 |
Manson Family Murders 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. |
June 10, 2019 |
| 3 |
Heaven's Gate 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. |
June 17, 2019 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | Investigation Discovery |
|---|---|
| First aired | June 4, 2018 |
| Last aired | July 8, 2019 |
| Runtime | 43 minutes |
| Status | continue |
| Schedule | Monday at 21:00:00 |