Overview
- The docuseries, which premiered June 1, 2026, on HBO/Max reconstructs Eternal Values through never-before-seen archival footage and new interviews with former members.
- Frederick von Mierers presented himself as an Arcturus “walk-in” and targeted attractive young people with the demand ‘bring me the beauties’ to build a tightly controlled inner circle.
- Former member Hoyt Richards says his rise as a top male model financed much of the group, with Richards giving most of his earnings to Eternal Values while the leader lived in luxury.
- Interviewees describe coercive practices including forced public shaming called “slammings,” policing of behavior, food restriction and punished dissent, and they say von Mierers died of AIDS-related complications in February 1990 while the group kept his illness from followers.
- The series frames the story as a warning about charismatic deception and modern wellness culture, highlights survivors’ recovery work, and notes there are no new criminal or civil actions tied to the film.