Cults and Extreme Belief will go on a search to uncover how sects use their influence to prey upon people's desperation to create powerful and often destructive belief systems. Each episode will take an immersive look at one currently active group through the eyes of past devotees and get perspective from believers and leaders that are still inside. Organizations that will be explored in include NXIVM, Twelve Tribes, Sanctuary Church, United Nation of Islam, Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Jehovah's Witness and The Family.

This is an American television newsmagazine (similar in depth to a print newsmagazine) that has been broadcast on ABC since June 6, 1978. The show was designed similarly to CBS's 60 Minutes but focuses more on human interest stories than international and political subjects.