Gwen Shamblin Lara
Self (archive footage)
TV SERIES
The Way Down: God, Greed, and the Cult of Gwen Shamblin
Documentary
Explore how the late Gwen Shamblin Lara, who founded the controversial Remnant Fellowship Church and created the Christian weight loss program The Weigh Down Workshop, rose to fame as a diet guru and church leader.
Top cast
Joe Lara
Self (archive footage)
Natasha Pavlovich
Self - Former Girlfriend of Joe Lara
MC
Megan Cox
Self - Member 1996-2006
HB
Helen Byrd
Self - Member 2008-2017
RM
Rafael Martinez
Self - Cult Interventionist
GW
Gina Wilson
Self - Member 1996-2012
RP
Rachel Phillips
Self - Member 2002-2009
You may also like
TV
Shiny Happy People
2023Series
TV
Love Has Won: The Cult of Mother God
2023Series
TV
The Family
2019Series
TV
TV
TV
Trust Me: The False Prophet
2026Series
TV
Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey
2022Series
TV
Escaping Twin Flames
2023Series
TV
Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields
2023Series
TV
The Last Movie Stars
2022Series
TV
How to Become a Cult Leader
2023Series
TV
Death of the Pastor's Wife
2026Series
Episodes
5 Episodes
011. The Kingdom
A deadly plane crash draws public attention to the Remnant Fellowship, a Christian-diet-program-turned-church, and its infamous leader, Gwen Shamblin Lara.
022. A Family Affair
Gwen’s divorce and prompt remarriage to struggling actor/musician Joe Lara raise questions about the odd couple’s checkered past – and the church’s finances.
033. Seen But Not Heard
When two Remnant members are charged with murder, Gwen rallies her congregation to defend against claims of abuse. As former church members recount their chilling experiences, another tragedy threatens to upend the future of the church.
044. Revelations
After a mysterious accident claims the lives of Gwen, Joe, and some of their inner circle, former Remnant members grapple with the leader’s complicated legacy, and new voices come forward for the first time.
055. The Way Forward
As the Remnant Fellowship fights to control the narrative, footage of a never-aired reality series pilot surfaces, casting new light on the ways Gwen shaped her image and the lives of those who followed her.