Watch The Vow

The Vow is an engrossing 9-part HBO documentary series that chronicles the experiences of former members of the organization known as NXIVM or Executive Success Programs (ESP), which was founded by Keith Raniere in 1998. The series uses firsthand accounts and footage to explore the inner workings of the secretive and controversial organization, as well as the challenges faced by those who sought to leave.

The series is largely told through the perspectives of former NXIVM members Sarah Edmondson and Mark Vicente, who were both high-ranking members within the organization, and Bonnie Piesse, a former member who was involved in various aspects of NXIVM but was not as in-depth. Sarah and Mark provide viewers with insight into the inner workings of this organization and provide their accounts of being part of the organization for over a decade.

The first few episodes of the series delve into the self-help teachings that NXIVM espouses, which include ideas about personal growth, self-discovery, and empowerment, and were initially attractive to many members. However, soon viewers learn that beneath this facade of self-help techniques, the organization was a well-structured and well-funded marketing scheme that used high-pressure sales tactics to recruit new members.

The filmmakers take a deep dive into the world of NXIVM, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at meetings, activities, and classes attended by members. Through interviews with former members and experts outside the organisation, viewers are given a comprehensive understanding of how deeply the organisation

The Vow is a series that ran for 2 seasons (15 episodes) between July 30, 2020 and on Amazon Addon