or


[08/07/20 - 09:26 AM]
"The Vow," A Portrait of NXIVM, Debuts August 23, Exclusively on HBO
The nine-part documentary series is directed by Emmy(R)-winning and Academy award nominated Jehane Noujaim and Karim Amer.

[via press release from HBO]

THE VOW, A Portrait Of NXIVM, Debuts August 23, Exclusively On HBO

Emmy(R)-Winning And Academy Award Nominated Jehane Noujaim and Karim Amer Direct

THE VOW, a nine-part documentary series directed by Emmy(R)-winning and Academy award nominated Jehane Noujaim and Karim Amer debuts SUNDAY, AUGUST 23 (10:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT), with new episodes airing subsequent Sundays at the same time. The series explores the world of the controversial self-improvement group NXIVM.

THE VOW will be available on HBO and to stream on HBO Max.

With remarkable access to insiders and former members, THE VOW follows a range of people who joined NXIVM, a self-improvement group that disintegrated with criminal charges brought against its highest members. The show takes a deep, nuanced look at the experiences of many of the group's participants, spotlighting their universal desire for personal growth and their internal conflicts over events as they unfold.

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.

Amidst claims by NXIVM participants of both profound transformation and devastating abuse, the series reveals the complicated truths behind the sensational headlines - a signature of Noujaim and Amer's previous films. It explores the emotional toll of unfolding events on individuals who hoped to lead better lives and change the world with Raniere's espoused humanitarian philosophy. The series illuminates how members were drawn to NXIVM's ethical mission and promise. THE VOW takes viewers inside NXIVM, seen through the lens of former members who had dedicated their lives to the organization.

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.

Controversial reports had emerged as early as 2003, but in 2017, New York Times ran a story with disquieting revelations about a secret, female-only sect called DOS, derived from a Latin acronym meaning "Master of Obedient Women." Initiates were required to ensure their dedication by handing over incriminating "collateral" to their "master." Then, in a ceremony, some were branded as a symbol of their commitment.

By 2019 Raniere was convicted of crimes including racketeering, sex trafficking, forced labor conspiracy, identity theft, and production and possession of child pornography. He awaits sentencing, which is expected this fall.

THE VOW takes a journey deep inside the world of people who devoted their life to NXIVM's mission, clarifying the powerful draw of Raniere and the organization. With devastating candor, former NXIVM members grapple with their sense of responsibility as they face losing friendships, careers and the community they helped to build over a decade. The film offers a view into the lives of former members whose commitment to growth and a better world fueled their devotion to NXIVM and Raniere, following them as they question the intent of the teachings and the organization that had been at the center of their lives.

A story that begins with students devoted to personal improvement and an ethical worldview ends with them engaged in a federal investigation.

Upcoming episodes:

Episode 1: "The Science of Joy"

Debuts date: SUNDAY, AUGUST 23 (10:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT)

Mark Vicente and Sarah Edmondson, high-ranking former NXIVM leaders, describe the dream and mission of NXIVM to build a better world. Bonnie Piesse, Mark's wife, tells him she is worried about the organization and Keith Raniere, NXIVM's leader and Mark's mentor. Mark believes there must be a misunderstanding - how could tools to make a better, more ethical world be misused?

Episode 2: "Viscera"

Debuts date: SUNDAY, AUGUST 30 (10:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT)

After seven years, Bonnie leaves Albany and NXIVM for Los Angeles to make sense of it all. She tries desperately to get through to Mark, who reassures her all is well. Meanwhile, Mark remains loyal to Keith and NXIVM, but a series of phone calls begin to sow doubt within him.

Episode 3: "At Cause"

Debut date: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 (10:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT)

Sarah confides to Mark about DOS, a secret women's group involving "masters" and "slaves." She struggles in her relationships with NXIVM, her husband Nippy, and her best friend. Nippy confronts the organization he's helped grow for 15 years. Sarah and Mark lament how many members they've recruited and question what to do next.

Episode 4: "Building Character"

Debut date: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 (10:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT)

Mark, Bonnie, Sarah and Nippy strategize with Catherine Oxenberg about how to get her daughter, India, out of DOS, even though she wants to stay. "Jane," a former member and India's close friend, describes the appeal of the organization and of DOS, and why she left it all behind.

Episode 5: "Class 1 Data"

Debut date: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 (10:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT)

Catherine believes her daughter is in danger and wants her to come home. But she and the former members are unable to get the attention of the authorities, so they approach the New York Times. While weighing the pros and cons of going on record, Mark reflects on his time at NXIVM.

Episode 6: "Honesty & Disclosure"

Debut date: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 (10:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT)

When they see no action by the authorities, Sarah, Mark, and Nippy contact additional news outlets to provoke outrage and pressure law enforcement to pay attention. Barbara Bouchey, a former board member and early defector, shares her insight into NXIVM and reflects on her time in Keith's inner circle.

THE VOW is an HBO Documentary series by Jehane Noujaim and Karim Amer. Executive producers: Karim Amer, Jehane Noujaim, Geralyn White Dreyfous, Mike Lerner, Nina Fialkow, Lyn Davis Lear, Regina K. Scully. Producers: Victor Buhler, Rosadel Varela, Claire Read, Aleks Gezentsvey. For HBO: executive producers, Nancy Abraham and Lisa Heller; senior producer, Sara Rodriguez.





  [august 2020]  
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
      


· VOW, THE (HBO)





[07/16/25 - 04:01 PM]
ESPN Airs Another of Its Most-Watched WNBA Games Ever: Indiana Fever vs Connecticut Sun Averaged 1.7 Million Viewers, Up 48% from Last Year's ESPN Average
Said telecast peaked with 2 million viewers.

[07/16/25 - 12:23 PM]
FOX's Biblical Event Series "The Faithful" Casts Minnie Driver, Jeffrey Donovan and Natacha Karam
Plus: Danny Cannon has been tapped to direct and executive produce the premiere.

[07/16/25 - 12:01 PM]
Emmy and BAFTA Award Nominee Jack Lowden Will Star in "Berlin Noir," Apple's Upcoming Adaptation of Philip Kerr's Bestselling Crime Novels
Germany, 1928. A newly-promoted detective. A string of gruesome murders. Welcome to Berlin Noir.

[07/16/25 - 12:00 PM]
Video: "Murder 360" - Official Trailer - Paramount+
Stream the new original docuseries premiering August 5, exclusively on Paramount+.

[07/16/25 - 11:00 AM]
"The Walking Dead: Dead City" to Return for Third Season, with "Walking Dead" Veteran Seth Hoffman Joining as Showrunner
Hoffman marks?his return to the Walking Dead Universe having spent three years as co-executive producer and writer on "The Walking Dead."

[07/16/25 - 09:35 AM]
Video: FX's "Necaxa" - Official Trailer & Key Art Available Now
Eva Longoria teams up with Rob Mac and Ryan Reynolds for FX's newest football docuseries following one of Mexico's oldest and most storied clubs, Club Necaxa.

[07/16/25 - 09:07 AM]
The CW Network Picks Up Hit Drama Series "Sullivan's Crossing" for Season 4
The announcement follows the previously confirmed Season 4 renewal by Bell Media's CTV and Crave, and Fremantle.

[07/16/25 - 09:01 AM]
"Geek Girl" Season 2 Start of Production Announcement
Joining the cast is Layton Williams, who will play the role of Onassis.

[07/16/25 - 07:25 AM]
AXS TV Salutes the Female Trailblazers of Rock, Pop, Motown & More with the "Women in Music" Marathon, Airing August 2 & 3 Starting at 11A ET
From soulful songstresses and enduring pop queens, to the rock trailblazers who turned the boys' club upside down, AXS TV celebrates some of the most legendary female artists of all time.

[07/16/25 - 07:06 AM]
The Nader Sisters Trade the Louisiana Bayou for New York City in New Reality Series "Love Thy Nader," Premiering on Hulu and Freeform
The bold coming-of-age reality series follows the unapologetic and determined Nader sisters - Brooks, Sarah Jane, Grace Ann and Mary Holland - who left their humble beginnings in the Louisiana bayou for the glamour and grind of New York City.

[07/16/25 - 07:01 AM]
Video: "Stranger Things 5" - Official Teaser - Netflix
Every battle has led to this.

[07/16/25 - 05:31 AM]
"Turn of the Tide" Is Back: The Second Season Arrives on Netflix October 17
In this new season, Eduardo (José Condessa), three months after his departure, returns to find a completely different reality in Rabo de Peixe.

[07/16/25 - 02:01 AM]
Video: "Memento Mori" - Season 3 - Official Trailer - Prime Video
The final season arrives August 1 on Prime Video.

[07/16/25 - 01:01 AM]
Video: "Love Is Blind: UK" Season 2 - Official Teaser - Netflix
A new batch of singles in the UK search for love sight unseen. Who will make it from the pods, to living together, to all the way up the aisle?

[07/15/25 - 02:46 PM]
Apple Lands Record-Breaking 81 Emmy Award Nominations with "Severance" Leading As This Year's Most-Nominated Series and "The Studio" Becoming the Most-Nominated Freshman Comedy in History
Additionally, with top program nominations for drama "Slow Horses" and comedy "Shrinking," Apple TV+ becomes the only network to have multiple titles nominated in the Outstanding Comedy and Drama series categories.