David Barker I like the episodes other than those that deal with, and there isn't an easy way to say this using words that label, religions that have been around for a LONG time. I have issues calling them cults. Jehovah's Witness would be one. If you look at conversations that identify why some people call them a cult (very strict rules, indoctrinated, etc...) that really applies to ALL religion. Protestant or Catholic Christians indoctrinate their children too, but they would use the word "teach". They ALL have rules, but it's a matter of how much those within the religion follow them. For instance the Bible makes it very clear about what a Christian is (follow the teachings of Christ, teaching the message of Christ), but may if most don't know how serious that is. If they did, they'd be driving around neighborhoods talking to strangers. The difference is in Christianity, many if not most people who CALL themselves Christian don't really live a Christian life (and I don't mean living poor) because the church they go to doesn't make it clear about what BELIEF really means. You can't believe something that is so life encompassing as religion which is teaching you how to live life, but only pay it lip service. It is life engaging.So, I don't like a series that differentiates what in my mind would be a religion (Jehovah's Witness) because of it longevity and number of members because it's not something like Islam or Christianity. All religions were started by men, and the teachings are based on what the religious leaders believed is correct view of God's message to humans, along with how to life a life. So, a better series would be "religion, cults and extreme beliefs" and then not try to separate them out, and best to show all religions.I'm non religious, but was brought up in a Christian household, where my Dad was a Dr. of Theology and going to church was mandatory, along with learning about Christ, along with spreading the word of God (Christ = Christianity).

virginia OMG OMG, this is brilliant, the people interviewed don't realise that Sacha Baron Cohen is creating this show in order to demonstrate how crazy some people are, or rather have completely obscure ideas, concepts, and rationality, unfortunately they are in America. I always knew there were a few odd balls in this world but talking about gun laws and giving them to 4 year old kids!! Really?? This is the political, yes political, objective from Senators in the USA government. I can't believe the guy's he interviews are real, but they are, its not fake. This is just so sad that these people have these ideologies that are so wrong in this day an age. Also the sketch with the artist lady is brilliant, good on her.Can't wait for next episode.

northappraisals Many of the extreme cults covered by the A & E in their shows were exposed in the early 1970's by Ted Patrick and various families who trying to extract family members from these groups. The pornographic Moe letters by David Berg of the Children of God, the auditing manuals covering Scientology's clay model healing (witch doctor) practices and Sun Yun Moon's Divine Principals (NOT!!!) were all provided to the authorities in the 70's and 80's. A story as interesting as the cults covered, is the story of Ted Patrick, the first deprogrammer. Mr Patrick was imprisoned on multiple occasions for trying to help families get relatives out of these groups. The American Civil Liberties Union lobbied to have deprogramming outlawed, rather that helping the victims of the groups. Even today. If your son were to join ISIS your family could face criminal charges if they were to hold him and try to get him out.Conway and Siegelman, two US psychologists in their book Snapping documented the techniques that the cults use to brainwash members. It seems plausible that groups using the techniques could be outlawed. The problems seems to be in the grey area and with debates as to whether brainwashing exists.

Yogibearz I completely agree with you on the first episode of the series (nxivm). That episode was, in my opinion weak minded ppl that put themselves in that position...but the other episodes about Jehovah's witness and children of god..those ppl have been raised and brought up in a toxic, vicious culture that in some cases span generations; they didn't know better and were truly indoctrinated. My suspicion is that you saw the first episode, Dick. And I agree with you about that particular episode..but the other episodes were more inciteful. If anything, I've come to understand how messed up Rose McGowan must have become by her time in COG! I don't doubt that Weinstein abused her, but I see where all her "erratic" anger may stem from, which is truly sad. If I was to say anything negative about this series so far; they should have scrapped the first episode all together!