Plot Synopsis

THE GARDEN: COMMUNE OR CULT is a six-part documentary that centers on an infamous off-grid community that went viral on social media for disturbing allegations. On 22 acres of backcountry in the American South lies The Garden -- a community that lives by its own laws, free from the pressures of modern society. They maintain an open-door policy to anyone seeking to join their ranks, but new people must submit to an initiation period. Some barely last a week, others are forced to leave, and a chosen few call The Garden home for good. Questions continue to arise about the cult-like vibes of the controversial community, but this spring is different. Cameras have been granted unprecedented access to The Garden, documenting its spread to new locations deep in the Ozarks. Founded as a cooperative, "leaderless" community, The Garden could be viewed as a post-apocalyptic wonderland free of societal rules. However, when potential members arrive, they quickly realize there's more than meets the eye. New initiates include Tyler, a veteran and self-described doomsday prepper; Tisheila, a truck driver survivalist; "Oak," who wants to toughen up after years behind a desk; and Jessica, a former cheerleader looking to reconnect with nature. These newcomers have ten days to prove to The Garden that they have what it takes to be part of the community. Did they join a commune working towards a sustainable, off-grid way of life? Or have they just surrounded themselves with members of a mind-controlling cult?
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On Sunday, November 26, 2023 at 10pm ET/PT, Discovery Channel premiered "Commune or Cult?," the finale of THE GARDEN: COMMUNE OR CULT. Tree's party outburst puts him at odds with Patrick. Tyler dodges the consensus rule to build a storm shelter.