Watch Waco: Madman or Messiah

Waco: Madman or Messiah is a documentary miniseries that premiered on A&E in 2018. It explores the events that led up to the 1993 siege of the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas, and the controversial and deadly outcome that shocked the nation. The series is divided into six episodes, each examining a different aspect of the Waco siege, from the beliefs and practices of cult leader David Koresh to the motivations behind the raid by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and subsequent 51-day standoff with the FBI.

The series features interviews with surviving members of the Branch Davidian community, as well as law enforcement officials and experts on cults and religious extremism. Among the most notable voices in the series is that of Koresh's attorney, Dick DeGuerin, who provides insight into his client's mindset and the legal strategies employed in his defense.

The series also includes archival footage and photographs from the siege, providing a vivid and often harrowing account of the events that transpired. While the series presents a balanced perspective on the Waco siege, it does not shy away from the controversy and polarization that surrounded the events at the time and continue to this day.

Throughout the series, the question that looms over the narrative is whether David Koresh was a madman or a messiah. Many former Branch Davidians see Koresh as a charismatic leader who was unfairly demonized by the media and law enforcement officials. Others view him as a mentally ill and dangerous cult leader who manipulated his followers into following his twisted worldview.

The series also delves into the role played by the media in shaping public perception of the Waco siege. At the time, the standoff received extensive coverage from news networks and commentators, many of whom sensationalized the events and portrayed the Branch Davidians as a dangerous and fanatical cult.

Overall, Waco: Madman or Messiah is a compelling and thought-provoking series that provides a nuanced look at one of the most controversial events in recent American history. With its comprehensive research, expert testimony, and powerful archival footage, the series presents a multifaceted account of the Waco siege that challenges viewers to grapple with the complex forces that led to tragedy.

Waco: Madman or Messiah is a series that ran for 1 seasons (2 episodes) between January 28, 2018 and on A&E