Born in Synanon

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.

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.

Critical reception
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."