A mysterious off-grid community that went viral on TikTok for being called a cult opens its doors to outside cameras for the first time. Located in Missouri, The Garden welcomes new members into the commune -- some of whom butt heads with the others immediately.
Despite calling the cops, Narayah decides to stay in The Garden. Cult-like antics put off newcomer Tyler M. Later, Tyler C., a Christian apocalypse prepper from rural Tennessee, heads to The Garden.
Loyalties will be tested and friendships questioned as the vote approaches for Tyler M. and whether he can stay in the commune; Oak has trouble fitting in, while valley girl Jessica and polyamorous trucker Tisheila arrive at The Garden.
After tense negotiation, the community votes in Tyler Milligan; he immediately ruffles feathers when he decides to become the leader, confronting Tyler Covington's poor work ethic; Jessica tests her mettle by dumpster diving and learning to build.
Two teams with differing visions threaten to split the unified collective. Team Tree wants to let loose; he's planning on throwing a party against Patrick's wishes, whereas Team Patrick believes more work onsite is needed. Jessica and Tisheila have their 10-day council where, to their relief, they're invited to stay but their good vibes grind to a halt when a tornado hits. Previous requests for a storm shelter were vetoed, leaving The Garden vulnerable and in need of evacuation. Furious, Tyler spearheads building a storm shelter in the aftermath of the tornado and won't let consensus get in the way. Jessica hears rumors about Narayah's departure and asks herself: is The Garden a cult, after all?
Tree's party outburst deepens the rift between him and Patrick. Tyler circumvents the consensus rule as he builds the storm shelter, abandoning egalitarian ideals to Tree's dismay. Jessica discovers rumors that The Garden tampers with people's food -- sending Tisheila, who has already been feeling sick for days, spiraling -- she flees The Garden on the spot. Jessica, resolute in her decision that The Garden is, in fact, a cult, believes that Patrick's departure would resolve the unrest within the community. Tree hits his breaking point, telling Julia they must leave the group. Patrick is grateful for Tyler's assistance with community leadership, and Tyler embraces a future in The Garden.