HBO Max's new show Bring Me the Beauties: A Model Cult has landed a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes, just days after its debut. The documentary series released its first episode earlier this week (1 June) and has already been described by critics as "wildly juicy".
Directed by Tiger King's Chris Smith, the show explores the '80s spiritual group Eternal Values, led by former model Frederick von Mierers.
While claiming to be an alien prophet, von Mierers recruited several young people into the cult before he died in 1990 from an AIDS-related illness.
Related: Best streaming services UK 2026 – including Disney Plus, Netflix, iPlayer and Apple TV
Among those who joined the group was successful model Hoyt Richards, who shares his experience in the series.
Richards recalls meeting von Mierers at age 16, and later handing over a significant chunk of his earnings to the charismatic socialite, believing it would help him become "a better version" of himself.
What to Read Next
The documentary also features first-person accounts from other Eternal Values members, who detailed how they became trapped in the "terrifying" cult.
The second episode of Bring Me the Beauties will be released next Monday, with the final part arriving the following week. Critics have praised the "absorbing" story, with Forbes declaring it "HBO Max's best new show".
"It's another triumph for Smith, shedding light on an overstuffed topic he's able to unpack in a manner as easy to digest as the rest of his work has shown thus far," said The Playlist.
Related: Netflix's 100%-rated true-crime drama with 'phenomenal performance' goes straight into UK chart
"Thoughtful, empathetic, and insightful, Bring Me the Beauties: A Model Cult makes for absorbing viewing," wrote ScreenAnarchy. The Wall Street Journal branded it: "A stylishly constructed parable about naivete and spiritual emptiness."
"This is like trying to keep up with an erratic bar-room raconteur who keeps glossing over the important bits so they can skip on to the next bit of gossip. Admittedly, each new piece of info is wildly juicy," added The Guardian.
Bring Me the Beauties: A Model Cult is streaming on HBO Max.
Visit our Streaming Guide now to see at a glance where you can view ALL your favourite shows and movies.
The new edition of Living Legends, a collector's edition exploring the royal family, is here! Buy The Royals in newsagents or online.
Divya is a freelance writer with experience in entertainment and lifestyle news. Described as a "telly addict" since childhood, Divya was able to translate her interests into a BJTC-accredited, Honours degree in Journalism and Media. After working in communications and marketing, Divya joined Digital Spy as a Freelance News Reporter. She has also written for various publications including Metro, Asian World News and TwitCelebGossip; as well as interviews, features and reviews on her own blog. Divya prides herself on her TV, film and showbiz knowledge, always offering (not so) fun facts to her long-suffering friends and family. From soaps to superheroes, Divya is the go-to person for tailored recommendations and up to date information.
