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Born in Synanon is an American documentary series directed and produced by Geeta Gandbhir. It follows Cassidy Arkin as she searches to learn the truth about Synanon, a group which developed into a cult.

It premiered on December 12, 2023, on Paramount+.

Premise

Cassidy Arkin searches to learn the truth about Synanon, a group which she was raised in, as it developed into a cult.

Episodes

Production

For over twenty years, Cassidy Arkin had been collecting materials and interviews regarding Synanon. Arkin later met Geeta Gandbhir and discussed her vision for a documentary series revolving around her growing up in Synanon. Gandbhir incorporated archival footage of the group, with long sequences of The Game.

Reception

Critical reception

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 80% of 5 critics' reviews are positive.

Chris Vognar of Rolling Stone praised the series writing: "A thoughtful series that grows richer with each of its four episodes, Born in Synanon is as much a personal journey as a historical study, although it ultimately manages to be both." Joel Keller of Decider wrote: "Born In Synanon is unique among cult-related docuseries because it shows that not all cults start because of one person’s narcissism and messiah complex."

Conversely, in a negative review, Nick Schager of The Daily Beast wrote: "Born in Synanon's framework resonates from the get-go as counterfeit, and the same goes for its lovey-dovey snapshot of Synanon’s origins."

References

1. "Born in Synanon to Premiere on Tuesday, December 12". Paramount Press Express. November 16, 2023. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
2. Ulatowski, Rachel (January 29, 2024). "Ex-Synanon Members Break Down Cult's Mixed Legacy and What America Can Learn From It". The Mary Sue. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
3. Littleton, Cynthia (February 3, 2024). "'The Dream of What It Was': 'Born in Synanon' Probes a Cult's Legacy Through a Child's Eye". Variety. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
4. Vognar, Chris (December 11, 2023). "Synanon and Love Has Won, Two Cults With New Docs". The New York Times. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
5. "Born in Synanon: Season 1". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
6. Vognar, Chris (December 11, 2023). "'Born in Synanon': How a Rehab Turned Hellish Cult Preyed on Kids". Rolling Stone. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
7. Keller, Joel (December 12, 2023). "Stream It Or Skip It: 'Born In Synanon' On Paramount+, A Docuseries About A Woman Finding Out About The Experimental Community That Became A Cult". Decider. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
8. Schager, Nick (December 11, 2023). "This Drug Rehab Center Turned Into a Violent Cult". The Daily Beast. Retrieved April 11, 2024.

External links

• Born in Synanon at IMDb

• 2020s American documentary television series
• 2023 American television series debuts
• American English-language television shows
• Paramount+ original programming
• Television series about cults
• Television series by CBS Studios