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Airdate: The Vow

HBO true crime doco centres around controversial US self-improvement group NXIVM.

HBO true crime documentary series The Vow is coming to FOX Showcase in late September.

The nine-part documentary series is directed Jehane Noujaim and Karim Amer and centres around controversial US self-improvement group NXIVM over the course of several years.

With remarkable access to insiders and former members, it takes an in depth look at the organisation faced with various charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, against its highest members – most notably founder Keith Raniere, who was convicted in June 2019 and is currently awaiting sentencing.

Amidst claims by NXIVM participants of both profound transformation and devastating abuse, the series seeks to reveal the issues behind the headlines and explore the emotional toll of unfolding events on these individuals, who hoped to lead better lives and change the world with Raniere’s espoused humanitarian philosophy.

NXIVM was founded in 1998 by Keith Raniere and Nancy Salzman. Within a few years, the company grew into an influential, international organization with thousands of members, including accomplished executives, Hollywood stars, wealthy heirs and the children of political dynasties.

The project was personal for Noujaim, who, in 2010, attended Executive Success Programs, NXIVM’s flagship seminar, and explored making a film about the experience. Over the years, she kept in touch with the people she’d met. In 2017, whispers of a controversial secret sorority emerged, and several high-ranking members defected. Noujaim and Amer began filming, not knowing where the story would lead.

Sunday, September 20 at 8.30pm on FOX Showcase.

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