If you believe the influencer-to-cult-leader pipeline is merely a trope reserved for fictional thrillers, Hulu’s latest docuseries, The Cult of NatureBoy, serves as a sobering reminder that truth is often far more unsettling. The series, which is streaming now, offers an unflinching look at the rise and fall of Eligio Bishop, the man behind the so-called “Black Utopia” known as Carbon Nation.

The Rise of a Digital Guru

Beginning in 2016, Bishop—who operated under the moniker “NatureBoy”—leveraged the power of social media to attract young people disillusioned with modern society. By promising a return to nature and a communal existence, he effectively tapped into the search for purpose and community among his followers. However, as the docuseries reveals, the reality behind the screen was far more sinister.

What began as an alternative lifestyle experiment quickly devolved into a coercive environment defined by violence, manipulation, and control. Director Benjamin Zand and investigator Chantelle Coleman meticulously trace how Bishop operated, highlighting his ability to package his message for a generation seeking something authentic in an increasingly digital world.

A Calculated Weaponization of Influence

Zand describes Bishop as the “ultimate influencer,” noting that his charisma was not a gift, but a calculated weapon. “He has an ego the size of Earth,” Coleman explains in the series. “He’s someone that believes that he has an answer for everything… He’s a master manipulator. He’s very divisive. He can be very cruel. Vile. Evil almost.”

Perhaps the most chilling aspect of the story is how much of the group’s descent into madness was documented by the members themselves. Bishop treated the group’s activities like a reality television show, pushing boundaries to generate interest, donations, and online engagement. This self-recorded footage provides viewers with a rare, unfiltered look at how a communal dream was transformed into a nightmare.

The Evolution of Modern Cults

The four-part series concludes with the 2024 trial and life sentence of Bishop, but its impact lingers as a warning. Zand reflects on the broader implications of the story, stating, “It felt like a really important example of how cults have evolved. Social media has made a new type of cult.”

The Cult of NatureBoy is currently available to stream on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+. It stands as a necessary watch for anyone looking to understand the dangers of parasocial relationships and the importance of maintaining critical awareness in the digital age.