Watch Heaven's Gate: The Cult of Cults

Heaven's Gate: The Cult of Cults is a four-part docuseries available on HBO Max that delves into the elusive and infamous Heaven's Gate cult. The series revolves around interviews with former members of the cult, experts in the field of religious studies, family members of the deceased, and archival footage that sheds new light on the events that led to the group's ultimate demise in 1997.

The show follows the history and evolution of the cult, from its early days as a spiritual movement promoting ascension to a higher level of existence to its dramatic descent into mass suicide. The series offers a stark insight into how a group of people were able to abandon their lives, relationships, and personal identity in an attempt to transcend to a higher level of existence.

The cult was founded in the early 1970s by a man named Marshall Applewhite and his partner, Bonnie Nettles. The two claimed to be prophets and claimed that they were from a higher spiritual existence. They believed that the Earth would undergo significant changes and the only way to escape these transformations was through death and ascension to a higher plane.

The series examines the cult's methods of recruitment, isolation, and brainwashing of new members, and the role of technology in advancing their cause. The members were required to relinquish all worldly possessions, including their families and friends, and adopt a life of celibacy, fasting, and meditation.

The series explores how the group's ideology evolved over time, from a religious group focused on ascension to a more technological and business-savvy one, selling their message on video tape and exploiting the burgeoning online world. The cult became increasingly isolated from mainstream society, alienated from their families, and controlled by Applewhite, who was referred to as "Do" by his followers.

The docuseries is not limited to exploring the cult's history, as it also delves into the aftermath of the mass suicide. The series features interviews with family members, victims, and survivors who recount their experiences with the cult, the struggle to cope with the loss of loved ones, and the difficulty of moving forward from such a horrifying event.

Moreover, the series calls into question the balance between religious freedom and government intervention. The cult was openly declared illegal by the FBI, and they monitored the group for years. The series explores the FBI's role in the cult's ultimate fate, including their handling of the investigation after the mass suicide.

Janja Lalich, an expert in cults, and a former member of a cult herself, was one of the key interviews for the series. She offers insight into the psychology of a cult member and how they can become completely consumed by a group's ideology.

Robert Balch, a religious studies expert, is also featured in the series, and he provides commentary on the cult's religious framework and the extreme lengths that members were willing to go to in the name of their beliefs. Benjamin Zeller, another religious studies expert, examines the cultural context that led to the formation and popularity of the cult.

In conclusion, Heaven's Gate: The Cult of Cults is a fascinating and comprehensive look at one of the most notorious cults in American history. The series is both thought-provoking and emotionally gripping, offering new insights into the cult, its members, and the events that led to their ultimate downfall. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in religious groups and cults or interested in delving into a tragedy that shook the world.

Heaven's Gate: The Cult of Cults is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between December 3, 2020 and on HBO Max