Station:
REELZ (US)
Status:
Running
Start:
2020-07-14
Rating:
0/10 from 0 users
Cult of Personality reveals the shocking lives of notorious cult leaders. The series digs into the psyche of the leadership of destructive cults, their personal history's, their initial motivation and inspiration and final evolution into cult status. Before Jim Jones was the notorious leader of a death cult, he fought for social and civil rights. David Koresh, Charles Manson, Warren Jeffs, Jim Jones, Marshall Applewhite, their names alone evoke a mix of fear and fascination. These are the charismatic and cruel leaders who all shared a common messianic complex, appetite for violence, and the ability to make those around them succumb to their wishes at any cost – including kidnapping, death and murder.
There is no Next Episode of Cult of Personality planned.
S1E4 - Charles Manson
The story is told behind the small but deadly cult of Charles Manson, as told by former members Dianne "Snake" Lake and Catherine "Gipsy" Share, as well as AESOP, a musician and filmmaker who followed the Manson family in its final years, complemented by the expertise of cult Specialist Rick Ross and author Deborah Herman. Charles Manson remains as one of the most iconic villains from the last century, drawing as much repulsion as admiration until today.
Air Date: 14 Nov 2020 11:00 (CDT)
S1E5 - Jonestown
The testimonials are shown of Jonestown survivors Yulanda Williams; Vernon Gosney; and Leslie Wilson, complemented with the extensive research of award-winning author and journalist Julia Scheeres. The story is told of the life and death of Jim Jones and the deadly legacy of Jonestown that still haunts people until today.
Air Date: 14 Nov 2020 11:00 (CDT)
S1E6 - David Koresh and the Branch Davidians
He promises he will lead the faithful until the End Times. But the end, for his followers, comes sooner than expected. He is David Koresh, the so-called Sinful Messiah Of Waco, Texas. He will prepare his followers for a battle with the federal government, but also sleep with whoever he chooses, including pre-teen girls. It is the early 90s, when this man with rock star good looks and charisma rises to the top of a religious sect, one that is already preparing for the end of the world. By the time the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms show up to investigate claims of illegal arms sales, his followers are fully prepared to make a last stand. Whether that means fighting a gun battle, holding out in a siege or starting a blazing inferno, Koresh's followers will stay true to the last. But what kind of person inspires this kind of fanatical devotion? In this episode, we trace the rise and fall of David Koresh, speaking to law enforcement professionals who were there at the time, an expert on cults and deprogramming, and one of the few survivors, Australian Graeme Craddock. Over a quarter century later, the tragic events that took place on a ranch a few miles out of Waco, spawned endless conspiracy theories, and even motivated the Oklahoma City bomber, Timothy McVeigh. One thing for certain, is that David Koresh, the Sinful Messiah, casts a long shadow until this very day.
Air Date: 02 Dec 2020 11:00 (CDT)