A satanic cult's secret is hidden behind religious freedom laws

Entertainment · Published 9 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: When a teenager arrives at an Ohio hospital with a pentagram carved into her back, she brings more than just trauma. She carries the secrets of a rural cult that has successfully evaded justice for years by exploiting legal protections and local influence.

Devil in Ohio is a Netflix limited series based on Daria Polatin's novel. The narrative centers on Mae, a stoic teenager who escapes a devil-worshipping cult in a rural county. Her arrival at an Ohio hospital leads psychiatrist Dr. Suzanne Mathis to take her into her home while searching for a foster family. This domestic arrangement quickly spirals into upheaval as the reality of Mae's past begins to surface.

The core conflict of the series lies in the systemic barriers preventing justice. While authorities have long attempted to investigate the cult, they have been consistently blocked by two primary forces: religious freedom issues and a fiercely protective county sheriff. This dynamic explores how legal protections intended for spiritual liberty can be weaponized to shield illicit activities from public scrutiny.

The production of the series was notable for its rapid timeline; filming began in Vancouver on September 8, 2021, and wrapped by December 13, 2021, leading to a premiere on September 2, 2022. Despite the high-concept hook involving satanic elements, critical reception has been polarized. On Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds a 50% approval rating, with critics noting that while it offers 'lurid kicks,' it may struggle with its overall execution.

The cast features Emily Deschanel as the psychiatrist and Sam Jaeger as her husband, Peter Mathis, a real estate developer. They navigate the arrival of Mae alongside their three daughters: fifteen-year-old Jules, high school senior Helen, and youngest daughter Dani.

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