When They See Us is a must-watch limited series on Netflix. The show is based on the true story of five young teens who were accused and convicted of assaulting and raping a jogger in Central Park, New York in 1989.

The emotional impact of When They See Us cannot be understated

Labelled the Central Park Five, the quintet maintained they were innocent throughout the trial and even after they were convicted. The family of the Central Park Five spent years fighting their convictions in the hope of exonerating the five teens. In a rather cinematic twist the real assailant comes forward 17 years later and confesses to the crime that the five teens are accused of.

The series spans a quarter of a century from when the teens are first questioned about the incident in the spring of 1989, going through their exoneration in 2002 and ultimately the settlement reached with the city of New York in 2014.

When They See Us is directed and co-written by Oscar Nominee and Emmy Award Winner, Ava DuVernay. The four episodes are packed with a range of emotions that leave the viewer not only angered by the injustice that is thrown upon the teens, but joyful when they are exonerated.

The story is unbelievable, and the performance of the actors draw out your emotions, passion and anger. Shedding at least two tears is guaranteed!

When They See Us is not just a story that highlights racial profiling and the flaws within the American justice system. It’s a story of five young teens who were deprived of their childhood, their dreams and hopes, and of their family, just because of the colour of their skin. The emotional impact of When They See Us cannot be understated.

Stream When They See Us on Netflix and don’t miss the companion special titled: Oprah Winfrey Presents When They See Us Now, featuring interviews with the cast and the exonerated five. This is also available on Netflix.

Check out the trailer below: