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+.[1]
Cassidy Arkin searches to learn the truth about Synanon, a group which she was raised in, as it developed into a cult.[2]
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.[3] Gandbhir incorporated archival footage of the group, with long sequences of The Game.[4]
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 80% of 5 critics' reviews are positive.[5]
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."[6] 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."[7]
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."[8]