How to Become a Cult Leader
This docuseries presents itself as a cheeky “how-to” guide, breaking down the tactics used to win devotion and control followers. Across several episodes, it surveys multiple notorious groups and leaders, mixing real footage, interviews, and stylized reenactments to show how manipulation can take hold—and what warning signs to watch for.
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Season 1
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1
E1
Build Your Foundation
Embrace your calling and reinvent yourself by studying the life of petty criminal and folk rock troubadour-turned-murderous legend Charles Manson.
Jul 28, 2023 -
2
E2
Grow Your Flock
Build a fervent following by retracing the steps of Jim Jones, whose messiah complex turned a small healing grift into a dangerously loyal congregation.
Jul 28, 2023 -
3
E3
Reform Their Minds
Return to Buddhafield and unlock the mastery of manipulation with Jaimie Gomez, a failed actor who built an army of servants by promising enlightenment.
Jul 28, 2023 -
4
E4
Promise Eternity
Apocalypse, anyone? Create credible danger and consolidate power by studying the spiritual, sci-fi narrative of Heaven's Gate leader Marshall Applewhite.
Jul 28, 2023 -
5
E5
Control Your Image
Leverage media coverage to cultivate a pious image like Shoko Asahara, who built the doomsday cult Aum Shinrikyo on positive PR and deadly methods.
Jul 28, 2023 -
6
E6
Become Immortal
Avoid unhappy endings and cement your legacy by studying Sun Myung Moon, who transformed the Unification Church into a still-thriving economic machine.
Jul 28, 2023
