Tonight | Crime Night! on ABC: the panel examines cults – Crime Night! turns to cults and obedience, asking how leaders gain influence and why followers may surrender independence. The panel considers Jonestown and the Australian group known as The Family. It airs Wednesday 21 October 2026 at 9pm on ABC, with streaming on ABC iview.
The episode takes a psychological question beyond a single notorious case. It compares the dynamics of different groups and brings in a specialist who has spoken with people who left cults.
What makes a cult a cult?
Julia Zemiro is joined by David Bartlett, Danielle Reynald, Scout Boxall and Alex Lee to explore the issue. Their discussion considers Jonestown and the influence that charismatic leaders can exert on followers. It also looks at The Family, a notorious Australian cult, broadening the conversation beyond an overseas example.
Authority and independence
Cult expert Sarah shares what she has learned from speaking with former members and studying group dynamics. Her contribution helps the panel examine not just the leaders but the relationships and pressures within these groups. The central question is how much personal independence people are prepared to give up when they place their trust in someone who claims authority.
Crime Night! airs Wednesday 21 October 2026 at 9pm on ABC and streams on ABC iview.
Read more in TV Central’s ABC coverage. Watch on ABC iview.
