The Garden: Commune or Cult

A mysterious off-grid community that went viral on TikTok for being called a cult opens its doors to outside cameras for the first time as they move to the Ozarks and welcome new members.

Despite calling the cops, Narayah decides to stay in the commune while newcomer Tyler M.'s discomfort with the group's cult-like antics intensifies. Tyler C., a Christian from rural TN preparing for the Apocalypse, packs his bags and heads to The Garden.

Loyalties will be tested and friendships questioned as the vote approaches for Tyler M. and whether he can stay in the commune. Oak has trouble fitting in, while Valley Girl Jessica and polyamorous trucker Tisheila arrive at The Garden.

After his pleas to stay, the community votes to accept Tyler Milligan after his 10-day council. Now that he's in, he's ruffling feathers in the name of efficiency and getting more projects off the ground, leaving Tyler Covington feeling more ostracized and disgruntled by the day. His discontent gets back to Tyler M., who confronts him about speaking poorly of the community. This is the final straw for Tyler C., who prepares to leave immediately. On his way out, Tyler C. accuses Tree of being the cult leader, blaming him for creating a hierarchical society. Meanwhile, Jessica continues to push herself out of her comfort zone -- a fellow female builder, Julia, takes Jessica under her wing. While on a restocking trip into society, Tree debunks her disgust at dumpster diving by showing how much food waste truly happens in the US. Back home in LA, Jessica would never have done either of these things -- but here in The Garden, she sheds her old persona and settles into her new one. Later, Tree and Tyler discuss their opposing visions for the land. Tree wants to create a party space, while Tyler wants to consolidate power and end consensus -- has Tyler become the cult leader after all?

Two teams with differing visions threaten to split the unified collective. Team Tree wants to let loose; he's planning on throwing a party against Patrick's wishes, whereas Team Patrick believes more work onsite is needed. Jessica and Tisheila have their 10-day council -- where, to their relief, they're invited to stay -- but their good vibes grind to a halt when a tornado hits. Previous requests for a storm shelter were vetoed, leaving The Garden vulnerable and in need of evacuation. Furious, Tyler spearheads building a storm shelter in the aftermath of the tornado and won't let consensus get in the way. Jessica hears rumors about Narayah's departure and asks herself: is The Garden a cult, after all?

Tree's party outburst deepens the rift between him and Patrick. Tyler circumvents the consensus rule as he builds the storm shelter, abandoning egalitarian ideals to Tree's dismay. Jessica discovers rumors that The Garden tampers with people's food -- sending Tisheila, who has already been feeling sick for days, spiraling -- she flees The Garden on the spot. Jessica, resolute in her decision that The Garden is, in fact, a cult, believes that Patrick's departure would resolve the unrest within the community. Tree hits his breaking point, telling Julia they must leave the group. Patrick is grateful for Tyler's assistance with community leadership, and Tyler embraces a future in The Garden.