Apple TV's 'Twisted Yoga' Explores Cult Allegations in New True Crime Docuseries

Apple TV+ has added a rare true crime entry to its streaming library with the premiere of "Twisted Yoga," a three-part docuseries that explores allegations against a controversial yoga leader facing criminal charges in France.

The series, which launched today with all episodes available for streaming, marks only the third true crime original produced by Apple TV+ since the service began offering original content. The platform has primarily focused on science fiction, thrillers, and comedies, making this docuseries a notable departure from its typical programming.

A Rare Genre for Apple TV+

True crime has become one of the most popular documentary genres on streaming platforms, with Netflix's "Making a Murderer" setting the template for in-depth examinations of real criminal cases. Apple TV+ has largely avoided this territory until now, with only two previous true crime productions: "The Big Conn" from 2022 and "Hollywood Con Queen" from 2024.

"Twisted Yoga" follows the established format of successful true crime docuseries, presenting a real-life case through interviews, archival footage, and investigative reporting. The three episodes range from 42 to 50 minutes each, providing substantial coverage of the complex story.

The Story Behind 'Twisted Yoga'

The series centers on Gregorian Bivolaru, a Romanian man who established himself as a spiritual leader and founded an international network of yoga studios specializing in tantric rituals. According to Apple's official description, the show follows young yoga students from around the world who were drawn to Bivolaru's teachings in search of inner peace and purpose.

As the docuseries unfolds, it details how these students began to suspect they had joined a cult and discovered Bivolaru's alleged criminal activities. The narrative takes a darker turn when it reveals that Bivolaru allegedly summoned select female students to his Paris apartment for private initiations.

Criminal Allegations and Legal Proceedings

The most serious allegations against Bivolaru involve charges currently pending in France, including human trafficking, kidnapping, and rape. The series notes that Bivolaru denies these allegations, setting up a classic true crime tension between the accusations and the subject's defense.

What makes this case particularly compelling is that the alleged criminal is currently facing charges, meaning the story is still unfolding in real-time. The docuseries also follows women who are working with French authorities in an effort to secure a conviction against Bivolaru.

Production and Format

"Twisted Yoga" adopts the documentary style that has proven successful for other true crime series, combining interviews with former students, experts, and investigators with footage from yoga studios and other locations relevant to the story. The series appears to have been filmed across multiple countries, reflecting the international nature of Bivolaru's alleged activities.

The three-episode format allows for a comprehensive examination of the case without becoming overwhelming, striking a balance between depth and accessibility that has worked well for similar productions on other platforms.

Streaming Availability

The series is now available exclusively on Apple TV+, which costs $12.99 per month for individual subscribers. The service is also included in Apple One bundles, which offer various combinations of Apple services at discounted rates.

For viewers interested in true crime content or those curious about the intersection of spiritual movements and alleged criminal activity, "Twisted Yoga" represents a significant new addition to Apple TV+'s catalog. The platform's venture into this genre suggests a potential expansion of its documentary offerings beyond its traditional focus areas.

As true crime continues to dominate documentary viewing on streaming services, Apple TV+'s investment in "Twisted Yoga" indicates the company sees value in diversifying its original content to include more non-fiction programming that tackles serious real-world issues.