Episode 1
Build Your Foundation
32m7.0 / 10
Embrace your calling and reinvent yourself by studying the life of petty criminal and folk rock troubadour-turned-murderous legend Charles Manson.
Where to watch How to Become a Cult Leader
TV series
How to Become a Cult Leader
2023TV-MA1 season6.8 / 10
Look inside the cult leader's playbook for achieving unconditional love, endless devotion and the power to control people's minds, bodies, and souls. Disguised as a guidebook for capturing a devoted cult following, this docuseries takes a tongue-in-cheek look at the rise of six famed flock leaders.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Where to watch in United States
Checked Sep 2, 2026
How to Become a Cult Leader is available to stream on Netflix in United States. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
Stream
Synopsis
Look inside the cult leader's playbook for achieving unconditional love, endless devotion and the power to control people's minds, bodies, and souls. Disguised as a guidebook for capturing a devoted cult following, this docuseries takes a tongue-in-cheek look at the rise of six famed flock leaders.
Season 1 episodes
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 2
Grow Your Flock
32m7.0 / 10
Build a fervent following by retracing the steps of Jim Jones, whose messiah complex turned a small healing grift into a dangerously loyal congregation.
Episode credits
Guest stars Leo J. Ryan
Episode 3
Reform Their Minds
32m7.0 / 10
Return to Buddhafield and unlock the mastery of manipulation with Jaimie Gomez, a failed actor who built an army of servants by promising enlightenment.
Episode credits
Guest stars Asha Rangappa
Episode 4
Promise Eternity
30m7.0 / 10
Apocalypse, anyone? Create credible danger and consolidate power by studying the spiritual, sci-fi narrative of Heaven's Gate leader Marshall Applewhite.
Episode credits
Guest stars Asha Rangappa
Episode 5
Control Your Image
33m7.0 / 10
Leverage media coverage to cultivate a pious image like Shoko Asahara, who built the doomsday cult Aum Shinrikyo on positive PR and deadly methods.
Episode credits
Guest stars Asha Rangappa
Episode 6
Become Immortal
29m7.0 / 10finale
Avoid unhappy endings and cement your legacy by studying Sun Myung Moon, who transformed the Unification Church into a still-thriving economic machine.
Episode credits
Guest stars George H. W. Bush
Episode information updated Sep 17, 2026
More about How to Become a Cult Leader
Cast
Peter DinklageNarrator (voice)
Asha RangappaSelf
Leo J. RyanSelf (archive footage)
George H. W. BushSelf (archive footage)Production details
- Status
- Ended
- Series type
- Miniseries
- Episodes
- 6
- Original language
- English
Networks & production
Netflix
Citizen JonesUnited States- Estuary FilmsUnited States
Themes
cultcult leaderminiseriestongue in cheek
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