THE SHOW "Cult," WPIX/11, Tuesday night at 9 
 WHAT IT'S ABOUT Jeff Sefton (<a href="/topics//Matthew_Davis">Matthew Davis</a>, "<a href="/topics//The_Vampire_Diaries">The Vampire Diaries</a>") is a former reporter for the <a href="/topics//Washington_Post_Company">Washington Post</a> who comes to L.A. to start a new chapter in his life after getting fired. Then, suddenly, his troubled brother goes missing. Jeff discovers that Nate (James Pizzinato) was an obsessive fan of a CW show called "Cult," about a cult leader Billy Grimm, played by an actor named Roger Reeves (<a href="/topics//Robert_Knepper">Robert Knepper</a>, "<a href="/topics//Prison_Break">Prison Break</a>"). In the show, Grimm is obsessed about getting a former member back into his fold. What Jeff discovers is that the mysterious reach of Grimm has extended to real-world fans, many of whom follow him (and "Cult") in public chat rooms. Jeff goes to investigate this crazy CW show, and meets Skye (<a href="/topics//Jessica_Lucas">Jessica Lucas</a>, "Cloverfield"). She's a research assistant on "Cult" who has questions about its powerful effect, too. 
 MY SAY Ah, intriguing is the idea of a CW show (within a CW show) that perverts the minds of millions while sending them on murderous benders. This is an idea that can go places! Who knows? Maybe Jeff finds that the dastardly plot extends all the way up the ladder to <a href="/topics//CBS">CBS</a>, which owns <a href="/topics//The_CW">The CW</a>, and that the real cult leader is <a href="/topics//CBS">CBS</a> chief <a href="/topics//Leslie_Moonves">Leslie Moonves</a>, who's been deploying other CBS shows, like "The Talk," to corrupt America as well. Les could even do a cameo -- he is a former actor after all. "Cult" could then turn into a slyly anarchic, richly satirical commentary on the corruption of the U.S. TV industry. Unfortunately . . . "Cult" will probably not head in this direction. Instead, what you will likely be left with is a decently crafted techno-thriller that borrows from other subgenres -- vampires, aliens-among-us, even zombies -- all cranked around to appeal to <a href="/topics//The_CW">The CW</a>'s post-tween demo. What's most notable here is the creator of "Cult" (the real show -- not the show within the show), Rockne O'Bannon, who's done interesting work over the years, including "Alien Nation" (both the '88 movie and '89 TV series), about aliens from outer space living in L.A. To this day, "Alien Nation" has a cult following. Hmmm. 
 BOTTOM LINE A not-bad techno-thriller that could go interesting places. 
 GRADE B

THE SHOW "Cult," WPIX/11, Tuesday night at 9 WHAT IT'S ABOUT Jeff Sefton (Matthew Davis, "The Vampire Diaries") is a former reporter for the Washington Post who comes to L.A. to start a new chapter in his life after getting fired. Then, suddenly, his troubled brother goes missing. Jeff discovers that Nate (James Pizzinato) was an obsessive fan of a CW show called "Cult," about a cult leader Billy Grimm, played by an actor named Roger Reeves (Robert Knepper, "Prison Break"). In the show, Grimm is obsessed about getting a former member back into his fold. What Jeff discovers is that the mysterious reach of Grimm has extended to real-world fans, many of whom follow him (and "Cult") in public chat rooms. Jeff goes to investigate this crazy CW show, and meets Skye (Jessica Lucas, "Cloverfield"). She's a research assistant on "Cult" who has questions about its powerful effect, too. MY SAY Ah, intriguing is the idea of a CW show (within a CW show) that perverts the minds of millions while sending them on murderous benders. This is an idea that can go places! Who knows? Maybe Jeff finds that the dastardly plot extends all the way up the ladder to CBS, which owns The CW, and that the real cult leader is CBS chief Leslie Moonves, who's been deploying other CBS shows, like "The Talk," to corrupt America as well. Les could even do a cameo -- he is a former actor after all. "Cult" could then turn into a slyly anarchic, richly satirical commentary on the corruption of the U.S. TV industry. Unfortunately . . . "Cult" will probably not head in this direction. Instead, what you will likely be left with is a decently crafted techno-thriller that borrows from other subgenres -- vampires, aliens-among-us, even zombies -- all cranked around to appeal to The CW's post-tween demo. What's most notable here is the creator of "Cult" (the real show -- not the show within the show), Rockne O'Bannon, who's done interesting work over the years, including "Alien Nation" (both the '88 movie and '89 TV series), about aliens from outer space living in L.A. To this day, "Alien Nation" has a cult following. Hmmm. BOTTOM LINE A not-bad techno-thriller that could go interesting places. GRADE B

Entertainment

ETTEL18.WEB

'Cult' review: CW tweaks evils of TV

Newsday

cult tv cropped

Entertainment trending

Take our quizzes

50 best LI movies

AI's effect on entertainment

Jones Beach summer 2026 concerts

Most Popular

Entertainment Rail Module

"I'm looking forward to pursuing something different but tangential to journalism," Glassberg said.

'Eyewitness News' reporter Lauren Glassberg exits after 26 years at Ch. 7

"Taylor has always been an Easter egg queen," one fan said.

Swifties react to Taylor Swift's MSG wedding plans

What can you say about a year that brought us "Family Feud," "The Gong Show" and "Battle of the Network Stars?"

Remember these 6 game shows from 1976? (Bet you don't remember them all)

The stars of "Totally '90s House" will seek to modernize a home that seems stuck in that decade.

LI's Melissa Joan Hart, other '90s TV stars, will compete in new HGTV show

The 4-day Patchogue fest returns with more than 50 acts on three stages.

Great South Bay Music Festival: Everything you need to know

The disgraced former Congressman will test his survival skills on "'Special Forces: World's Toughest Test."

George Santos to compete on Fox's 'Special Forces: World's Toughest Test'

Sign up for Newsday's Entertainment newsletter

Entertainment newsletter widget

More Entertainment

Entertainment Article Bottom Module

There's little new in this docuseries about the L.I. stock firm behind a major fraud,

Take two: 'Real Wolf of Wall Street' rehashes the movie

This new 'Prairie' home puts a fresher and truer spin on Laura Ingalls Wilder's stories.

Netflix's 'Little House' reboot has a big heart

NEWSDAY TV SHORTS

Vertical videos

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed takes us out to East Hampton, where an old farm turned arts center hosts community events.

Out East: Duck Creek Arts Center

Matthew Smith sentenced to up to 22 years in prison for drunken-driving crash that killed Nassau County Police Officer Patricia Espinosa. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie has more.

Man who drove drunk and killed Nassau police officer gets up to 22 years in prison

From pizza to clams, Newsday food writer Andi Berlin visits two restaurants that are on the way to Northwell at Jones Beach Theater.

Eats en route to Jones Beach

Former Holy Trinity lineman Lance Swift spoke with Newsday high school sports reporter Jared Valluzzi after the Titans suspended their football program.

Former Holy Trinity lineman reflects on football program suspension

As boaters set out on the water this summer, they will be paying more at the pump. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

Boaters feeling the pinch at the pump 

NewsdayTV's Marie Elena Martinez got a sneak peek at the new Babylon Whiskey Down Diner location, which is currently under construction with plans to open in the fall.

Take a peek inside Whiskey Down Diner's new location

The Manor of St. George is one of the most serene spots on the Island. But on one night in 1780, it was the scene of a bloody battle, NewsdayTV's Doug Geed reports.

America 250: Battle of the Manor of St. George

NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa visited Garcia's Taco Bar in Brentwood to try their birria ramen.

Trendy Bites: Birria ramen

For a quick trip not far from home, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano checks out the Rockaway Hotel.

A getaway close to home for mom

An arbitrator detailed ex-officer George Trimigliozzi's poor job performance before his high-profile criminal case. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie and Newsday investigative reporter Jim Baumbach has more.

Suffolk brothel cop repeatedly ignored emergency calls before indictment

Sitewide Video Playlist

'Nothing is going to bring my wife back'

There is a new push to look into the effect of screen time in classrooms. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn spoke to Newsday state reporter Keshia Clukey and other experts on the topic.

'I don't advocate for one blanket policy'

Two months into the state's "bell-to-bell" ban on electronic devices in schools, some districts are reporting positive changes in the classroom. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

'Students are much more talkative to one another'

NewsdayTV's Jasmine Anderson and Newsday education reporter Dandan Zou talk to Long Island school administrators about how the school cellphone ban is going so far.

'Kids are outside. They're playing. They're laughing together.'

Homeowners say their taxes make it almost unaffordable to live on Long Island. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa sat down with Newsday towns reporter Sam Kmack to learn more about residents who are taking action.

'Homeowners are under real financial pressure'

Following two days of hazy skies from the Canadian wildfire smoke, NewsdayTV meteorologist Geoff Bansen has a look at what the weekend weather will look like.

Long Island weather: Expect bluer skies this afternoon

'He really wasn't being a police officer'

NewsdayTV goes behind the scenes of the day Rex Heuermann was sentenced for the Gilgo killings.

'A million years isn't enough'

The hazy skies are hanging around Long Island Thursday as smoke from the Canadian wildfires continues to fill the air.

Long Island weather: When will smoke, heat go away?

'Honestly, I was hurt'

A heat advisory remains in effect on Long Island through late Thursday. NewsdayTV's meteorologist Geoff Bansen has the forecast.

Canadian wildfire smoke could impact Long Island

Vincent Puleo, who's worked in public office for nearly two decades, terminated the spa's lease following Newsday's reporting. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie talks with Newsday reporters Sandra Peddie and Bahar Ostadan about the story.

'They dabble in other stuff behind the covers'

App Nativo Ad Unit Slot

TV - megaslot

Newsday TV critic Verne Gay reviews new TV shows and series from Netflix, Max, Hulu and more. Plus, what Long Island actors are working on and Long Island filming locations.

'Cult' review: CW tweaks evils of TV

Most Popular

Top Stories

Stay logged in.