'Secrets of Polygamy' | Date, plot and is the docu-series on extreme polygamist groups worth watching
Series: Secrets of Polygamy
Platform: A&E
Country of origin: United States
Date of release: January 8, 2024
Genre: Documentary
'Secrets Of Polygamy', an upcoming documentary, will dive deep into fundamentalist polygamy groups and make startling revelations surrounding them.
The docu-series series will start premiering on A&E on Monday, January 8 at 10 pm ET/PT.
What is the plot of 'Secrets of Polygamy'?
'Secrets of Polygamy' will introduce you to the lesser-known secrets of the fundamental groups of polygamy where few powerful men hold power over thousands of people.
Through in-depth interviews with former members and exclusive photos and audio clips, the docu-series will expose the realities of life with the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), the Kingston clan or The Order, and the Apostolic United Brethren (AUB).
The episodes consisting of one hour each will explore how power held by a few powerful men guided communities where claims of physical abuse, incest, and fraud came to light.
The official summary reads, "'Secrets of Polygamy' delves into the worlds of extreme polygamist groups and explores how the power held by Prophet Warren Jeffs, who is currently serving a life sentence for his crimes committed as Prophet, and other high-profile polygamists such as Sam Bateman, have shaped communities where claims of abuse, incest, and fraud have become common."
Who is Warren Jeffs?
Warren Jeffs, 68, is a religious cult leader and the President of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS Church). In 2006, he was charged with arranging illegal child marriages in Utah. The subsequent year, he was charged with cases of incent and sexual child abuse, as per The Sun.
In 2007, Jeffs was reportedly convicted for two rape cases as an accomplice for which he was sentenced to imprisonment for ten years to life. However, due to flawed jury instructions, the conviction was overturned by the Utah Supreme Court in 2010.
In Texas, he was found guilty of raping a 15-year-old child bride and a 12-year-old child bride for which he was sentenced to life, as per The Florida Times-Union.
Jeffs became the President of FLDS Church in 1986. He had 19-20 wives. However, some former members of the church claim that the actual number is 87. He is also said to have over 60 children, as per FBI Archives.
'Secrets of Polygamy' will feature an extensive interview with Alyshia Blackmore, one of Warren Jeffs’ former wives along with their daughter Rachel Jeffs Blackmore.
What is FLDS Church?
The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS Church), incorporated in 1991, is a religious community of fundamentalist Mormon denominations whose members practice polygamy. Originally located in Short Creek (now Colorado City), its headquarters shifted to Eldorado, Texas; and Ruso, North Dakota after the Yearning for Zion raid.
Polygamy was condemned and denounced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints more than a century ago. However, FLDS and likewise have continued the practice.
Who is the director of 'Secrets of Polygamy'?
'Secrets of Polygamy' is produced by RIVR Media for A&E Network. The worldwide distribution rights are held by A&E Networks.
Dee Haslam, Lori Golden-Stryer, and Aurelia Boyle all serve as executive producers for RIVR Media and Myles Reiff serves as executive producer and director.
The series features Investigator Matt Browning, a retired law enforcement officer, who meets with former members who escaped after knowing about mental and physical abuse suffered by polygamist women and children.
'Is Secrets of Polygamy' worth watching?
With exclusive audio clips and photographs to support the claims and in-depth interviews of experts, the docu-series shed light on the functioning of extremist groups of polygamy and a look at the concept of polygamy in America under a lens.
A&E has always done justice to gritty programs by exposing the truth and advocating against injustice. We can expect great revelations in the docu-series which would be worth a watch over the weekend.
'Secrets of Polygamy' trailer