“The Cult of NatureBoy: A True Crime Doc Delivering Justice”

True crime is pretty popular these days, but sometimes it can feel a bit repetitive, right? Well, fear not! The new ABC News series on Hulu, “The Cult of NatureBoy,” offers a fresh take on the genre. It’s not about a murder spree or a criminal mastermind—it delves into the emotional and social factors that lead someone to join a group and surrender control of their life.

Back in 2016, a guy named Eligio Bishop, or “NatureBoy” as he was known online, started gathering followers for his Carbon Nation group. He lured them with promises of a Black utopia free from the violence and racial tension of the time. The outcome isn’t a big mystery; we know how this kind of story usually ends. What sets “The Cult of NatureBoy” apart is how it walks us through the whole twisted journey.

The series uses interviews with former members, social media clips, and videos from inside the group to show how things escalated. The fact that Carbon Nation was all over the internet means there’s tons of evidence to back up the claims. Through four episodes, the show paints a clear picture of Bishop’s manipulation tactics, and the abuse that followed.

The ex-members, like Aaron (Tru), Velvet (Eliana), Kendra (EJ), and Janaé (Neytiri), really open up about their experiences. You can see why they got pulled into this cult in the first place—loneliness, a desire for community, and the specific appeal of Carbon Nation’s message during a volatile time in American history. This deeper look at the human side of the story sets “The Cult of NatureBoy” apart from your standard cult documentary.

Sure, the series does hit a bit of a lull in the middle, as it introduces new characters and locations. But stick with it! The ending is worth it. It’s not just about exposing the truth; it’s about seeing justice served. And that’s something you don’t always get in this genre.

All in all, I’d give “The Cult of NatureBoy” 4 out of 5 stars. If you’re in the U.S., you can catch it on Hulu or Hulu on Disney+ for bundle subscribers. Just a heads up, it’s rated TV-MA.