Join or Die with Craig Ferguson: History's Craziest Cult

March 18, 2016 6:36 AM - Season 1, Episode 6

In his new show without academic value, Starshine discusses the worst cults (not that one, because they have lawyers) featuring The House of Yahweh, CPOLP, the Moonies, the Rajneeshees, the Bretheren and The Peoples Temple. Guests are professor of religion Stephen Prothero, comedian Tymberlee Hill and actor Jack Black.
posted by lmfsilva (3 comments total)

I think they were going for variety, but there were a lot of cults that should have been here instead, most notably others than ended up in massive suicides such as Heaven's Gate or the Order of the Solar Temple, creeps like Children of God and Branch Davidians, and then Aum Shinrikyo along other cults that veered towards terrorism such as the KKK or Boko Haram.

As for the show itself, after six episodes I think there's usually one guest too many that doesn't contribute as much. I think shotgunning the season was the only way he would do this, and that rules out tweaking, but hopefully if it gets a new season, some changes are needed.
posted by lmfsilva at 7:49 AM on March 18, 2016 [1 favorite]

I've been on the fence about watching this show (I always found his talk show hit and miss), but you had me at Rajneeshees.

I had no idea Orange People were still a thing. I thought they'd withered up in the late '80s after the moral panic had died down, and when Sheila died, that was that.

I think there's usually one guest too many that doesn't contribute as much

I find that on most shows, I have theories as to why. But I must now go and watch this.
posted by Mezentian at 8:34 PM on March 18, 2016

Mezentian, you must now share with the class! Is it just another application of power law? A secret conspiracy? Tell your theories on panel construction!
posted by gregglind at 6:53 PM on March 20, 2016