Series Premiere, The Synanon Fix, April 1, HBO

The upcoming four-part documentary series “The Synanon Fix” by filmmakers Rory Kennedy and Mark Bailey will premiere on HBO and Max starting on April 1st. The series delves into the controversial history of Synanon, originally a drug rehabilitation program founded by Charles “Chuck” Dederich in 1958, which transformed into a communal living experiment with cult-like characteristics.

Through personal testimonies of former members, the series traces Synanon’s evolution from a modest rehab center to a widespread community that attracted both addicts seeking help and non-addicts drawn to the sense of belonging. Despite initial success and positive impact, Synanon’s downfall is explored as Chuck’s leadership grows increasingly authoritarian, leading to extreme practices and allegations of abuse, culminating in a tragic spiral.

The documentary features interviews with ex-Synanon members, including Chuck’s daughter Jady Dederich Montgomery, shedding light on the organization’s inner workings and eventual demise. Archival materials such as footage of “The Game” and Chuck Dederich’s teachings provide insight into the group’s ideologies and practices.

The series is structured into four episodes, each dissecting specific phases of Synanon’s history:

– Episode 1 focuses on Synanon’s early days as a rehabilitation center, its growth into a nationwide movement, and the positive impact it had on its members’ lives.

– Episode 2 delves into the transformation of Synanon into a structured community, with Chuck’s increasing control leading to controversial mandates and decisions that spark internal conflicts.

– Episode 3 explores Chuck’s descent into authoritarianism, showcasing abusive practices and disturbing decrees that sow discord among members and attract negative attention from the media.

– Episode 4 unravels the organization’s darkest chapter, marked by criminal activities, violent incidents, and Chuck’s eventual downfall, leaving former Synanon members to rebuild their lives without the community they once relied on.

Directed by Rory Kennedy and written by Mark Bailey, Jeff Swimmer, and Keven McAlester, “The Synanon Fix” is a compelling exploration of an ambitious social experiment gone awry, shedding light on the complexities of power, influence, and the human cost of unchecked authority within a once-promising initiative.