When They See Us - True Crime Series Based on the Central Park Five

"When They See Us" is a profoundly impactful miniseries on Netflix that recounts the harrowing journey of the Exonerated Five, previously known as the Central Park Five. This four-part series, directed by Ava DuVernay, delves into the deeply unsettling events surrounding the wrongful conviction of five teenagers in 1989 for the assault and rape of a jogger in Central Park, New York City.

The series begins by painting a vivid picture of the fateful night and the immediate aftermath, where the five young men - Kevin Richardson, Antron McCray, Yusef Salaam, Korey Wise, and Raymond Santana - were coerced into giving false confessions under intense police pressure. DuVernay masterfully captures the essence of their youth, vulnerability, and the overwhelming confusion they faced during the interrogation process.

As the story unfolds, "When They See Us" takes the viewers through the trial, showcasing the biases and systemic failures that led to their convictions despite the lack of concrete evidence. The series doesn't shy away from portraying the role that media sensationalism and a racially charged atmosphere played in influencing public opinion and the jury's decision.