The Way Down
2021 · Miniseries · TV-MA · 47 min · ★ 6.6
This docuseries traces the rise of a controversial Christian weight-loss program that grows into a powerful church community, following how its leader gains fame and influence. Through interviews and archival footage, it examines the culture around the group and the concerns raised by former members and observers.
Where to watch
Streaming on HBO Max.
4 hours to watch · 5 episodes.
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Details
- Original title
- The Way Down: God, Greed, and the Cult of Gwen Shamblin
- Years
- 2021–2022
- Release date
- 2021-09-30
- Network
- HBO Max
- Language
- English
- Rated
- TV-MA
- Runtime
- 47 min
- TMDB rating
- 6.6/10 (19 votes)
About
You’ll likely enjoy this if you’re drawn to unsettling true stories about control, belief, and charisma, similar to Heaven's Gate: The Cult of Cults or The Synanon Fix; Not for you if you want a tight, straightforward timeline.
Pros: fascinating real-life story; compelling interviews; eye-opening cult dynamics | Cons: repetitive across episodes; confusing timeline jumps; could be shorter
Themes
- child abuse
- diet
- custody battle
- cult
- tennessee
- beaten to death
- brainwashing
- religious fundamentalism
- cult leader
- religious cult
- eating disorder
- weight loss
- +9 more
Cast & crew
Gwen Shamblin Lara
as Self (archive footage)
Joe Lara
as Self (archive footage)
Natasha Pavlovich
as Self - Former Girlfriend of Joe Lara
- MC
Megan Cox
as Self - Member 1996-2006
- HB
Helen Byrd
as Self - Member 2008-2017
- RM
Rafael Martinez
as Self - Cult Interventionist
- GW
Gina Wilson
as Self - Member 1996-2012
- RP
Rachel Phillips
as Self - Member 2002-2009
Episodes1 season · 5 episodes
Season 15 episodes
- S1E1The Kingdom47mAmazon Prime VideoHBO MaxHulu
- S1E2A Family Affair47mAmazon Prime VideoHBO MaxHulu
- S1E3Seen But Not Heard55mAmazon Prime VideoHBO MaxHulu
- S1E4Revelations40mAmazon Prime VideoHBO MaxHulu
- S1E5The Way Forward40mAmazon Prime VideoHBO MaxHulu