How I Escaped My Cult

A look into insidious modern-day cults through the lens of members who endured trauma and investigations into the oppressive groups.
Tony Alamo Christian Academy
S1 E1

Teen Desiree becomes a sex slave in Tony Alamo's cult; she holds crucial evidence to convict him of his crimes; investigators need her testimony, but she must first escape the cult alive.

Word of Life
S1 E2

For Kristel Leonard, the Word of Life dictates every aspect of her life; when ruthless new pastor Tiffanie Irwin takes over, Kristel tries to leave her iron grip, leading to deadly and horrifying consequences for those closest to her.

La Luz Del Mundo
S1 E3

As a devoted member of La Luz Del Mundo, Alethea obeys her apostle Samuel Flores, becoming his sex slave; but when other brave women reveal their own horrific abuses, it leads to a dramatic arrest, an intense trial, and a harrowing escape.

Yearning for Zion/FLDS
S1 E4

When Warren Jeffs is arrested for unspeakable crimes his son Wendell and 8th wife Vicky are caught between their sadistic cult and the investigators trying to bring it down; escaping Warren's physical and mental hold is their only way out.

The Pilgrims
S1 E6

As the oldest daughter of family-cult leader Papa Pilgrim, Elishaba is the primary target of his rage and lust; his torment escalates when the entire group moves to Alaska, where she must survive a bold escape through the frigid wilderness.

Angel's Landing
S1 E7

For Sara, Lou Castro is an angel with heavenly powers over life and death; but when a string of his devoted followers dies under mysterious circumstances, detectives must uncover Castro's shocking true identity while Sara plots her escape.

NXIVM / The Vow
S1 E8

Jessica risks everything to break free of the sex cult, fueled by blackmail, lurking beneath NXIVM.

The Bergholz Clan
S1 E9

Johnny tries to leave the extreme cult started his grandfather, Sam Mullet.

The House of Yahweh
S1 E10

Debby flees House of Yahweh and its leader.