Guyana Tragedy: The Story of Jim Jones

His sins were unforgivable. His story, unforgettable.

Created by Ernest Tidyman

On CBS

A harrowing historical miniseries documenting the rise of a charismatic cult leader and the catastrophic mass suicide that ended his movement, grounded in real events of profound human tragedy.

In the 1960s, Reverend Jim Jones began as an idealist helping minorities and working against racism. After a move to San Francisco and increased power and attention, Jones became focused on his belief in nuclear holocaust, declared himself a prophet, and founded the Peoples Temple. With a loyal following of over 1,000, who donated their entire life savings to him and to join his commune, he moves them to Guyana. When possible crimes come to the attention of the authorities, and once notified that some individuals are being held against their will, an investigation begins. Rather than face the charges, Jones commits suicide, and roughly 900 of his followers do the same.