Ep 1. Doomsday Cults

Hidden in America is a compelling and thought-provoking documentary series that explores some of the darker, more secretive corners of American society. In this first episode of season one, entitled Doomsday Cults, we are introduced to the often-mysterious world of cults and their apocalyptic beliefs.

The episode opens by exploring the origins of doomsday cults in America, from the beginnings of the Nation of Islam and the People's Temple, to more recent groups like the Branch Davidians and Heaven's Gate. Through interviews with former cult members, experts, and law enforcement officials, we gain insight into the motivations behind group membership and the extreme mental manipulation involved.

We are then taken on a rare inside look at the daily life of one doomsday cult, the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Living in rural communities across the United States, the Twelve Tribes is a group that believes in the end of the world and the salvation of its members. We see how group members live together, work jobs, and raise families all while adhering to strict religious principles.

The episode also explores the dangers of cult membership, focusing particularly on the 1993 Waco siege, where members of the Branch Davidians died in a fire after a prolonged standoff with the FBI. Through interviews with survivors and law enforcement officials, we learn about the extreme charismatic power that cult leaders can hold over their followers and the potential for violence when these beliefs are challenged.

Finally, the episode delves into the aftermath of cult membership and the long road to recovery for those who leave. We hear from former cult members who have struggled to adjust to life outside the confines of their respective groups and the mental toll that cult membership can have on an individual.

Overall, this first episode of Hidden in America sets the tone for what promises to be a riveting exploration of some of the most secretive and dangerous subcultures in American society. Through a combination of expert insights and intimate interviews, Doomsday Cults exposes the human cost of apocalyptic belief systems and the sacred trust that some individuals are willing to place in their leaders.