When They See Us

When They See Us retells the story of five teenagers from Harlem who are arrested after a violent attack in Central Park in 1989. The miniseries traces the interrogations that produced coerced statements, the hurried prosecutions, and the ways publicity and prejudice reshape how the boys are seen by families and neighbors. Episodes move between their teenage years and the adult aftermath, showing legal fights, family strain, and the deep personal costs of being branded criminals. The series focuses on memory, accountability, and the ripple effects that a single headline can have on whole lives.

Released on Netflix in 2019, the four-episode limited series was created and directed by Ava DuVernay. It dramatizes the real Central Park Five case and features a cast that includes Asante Blackk, Jharrel Jerome, Ethan Herisse, Marquis Rodriguez, and Caleel Harris in the roles of the young men and adult counterparts.

The show drew substantial industry attention, earning multiple Emmy nominations, including consideration as an outstanding limited series. Jharrel Jerome won the 2020 Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series for his portrayal of Korey Wise, and several other nominations highlighted the series across acting, writing, and directing categories.

Beyond reviews and awards, the series reignited public conversation about policing, race, and wrongful conviction. It brought renewed attention to the men at the center of the case, prompted community and classroom screenings, and contributed to wider discussion about coerced confessions, media influence, and the need for accountability in law enforcement.

Critics and viewers praised the performances and DuVernay's direction, and the series holds a strong audience score, around 8.2 out of 10. Major themes include racial profiling, institutional failure, the impact of public shaming, and the long-term trauma experienced by those entangled in the justice system. The storytelling choices emphasize the human cost behind headlines, asking how systems and communities respond when the presumption of innocence breaks down.