Shiny Happy People
A limited docuseries exposing the truth beneath the wholesome Americana surface of reality tv’s favorite mega-family, The Duggars, and the radical organization behind them: The Institute in Basic Life Principles. As details of the family and their scandals unfold, we realize they’re part of an insidious, much larger threat already in motion, with democracy itself in peril.
Cast
Amy King
Dillon King
Jeff Sharlet
Seasons
A limited docuseries exposing the truth beneath the wholesome Americana surface of reality tv's favorite mega-family, The Duggars, and the radical organization behind them: The Institute in Basic Life Principles. As details of the family and their scandals unfold, we realize they’re part of an insidious, much larger threat already in motion, with democracy itself in peril.
E1Meet the Duggars
Jun 1, 2023
The shiny facade of America's favorite giant family, and the ministry that guided their conservative values, is shattered, revealing a troubling reality underneath.
E2Growing Up Gothard
Jun 1, 2023
As IBLP's homeschooling empire grows, it becomes clear that patriarchal, abusive authority is at the core of Bill Gothard and Jim Bob Duggar's power.
E3Under Authority
Jun 1, 2023
Bill Gothard and Jim Bob Duggar grow their shared vision into an international empire on the backs of young people. Unpaid labor, abuse, and threats of retaliation build, until Gothard is finally cut down inside of his own organization. But the roots he put down are now spreading everywhere...
E4Arrows Activated
Jun 1, 2023
Despite Gothard's demise and Josh Duggars disturbing new crimes, the movement goes on. Fundamentalists have consolidated political power nationwide to reshape society in their own image.
Teen Mania captivated a generation of fervent evangelical Millennial kids with adrenaline-fueled, ecstatic religious experiences through "Acquire the Fire" rallies. But beneath the glittering surface lurked sadistic boot camps, staged martyrdom drills, and fascism disguised as faith - transforming innocent teens into fanatical soldiers, with devastating consequences still unfolding today.
E1Acquire the Fire
Jul 23, 2025
In the explosive opener, Teen Mania emerges as millennial America's radical evangelical youth movement. Charismatic founder Ron Luce dazzles with "Acquire the Fire" - pyrotechnic stadium revivals where teens pledge their lives to spiritual revolution. Beneath the rock-concert worship and adrenaline-fueled Christian missions, Luce is assembling his army of true believers.
E2Consumed by the Call
Jul 23, 2025
Teen Mania's Honor Academy subjects its eager young recruits to brutal bootcamp tactics and endless hours in a massive call center as teenage telemarketers for Jesus, facing crushing quotas while enduring strict purity rules. Terrifying "End Times" simulations complete with mock executions create trauma disguised as spiritual transformation, forging young martyrs ready to die for their faith.
E3BattleCry
Jul 23, 2025
Teen Mania goes to new extremes with BattleCry, a hyper-militant culture war campaign. An evangelical pied piper, Luce leads the children into politically volatile protests. Meanwhile, interns collapse under grueling conditions and alumni begin speaking out, leading to Teen Mani's explosive demise. But the army Ron trained fights on, with devastating consequences still unfolding today.
Videos
Storyline
A limited docuseries exposing the truth beneath the wholesome Americana surface of reality tv’s favorite mega-family, The Duggars, and the radical organization behind them: The Institute in Basic Life Principles. As details of the family and their scandals unfold, we realize they’re part of an insidious, much larger threat already in motion, with democracy itself in peril.
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