When They See Us

About When They See Us

When They See Us is a 2019 TV show that falls under the Crime TV Drama genre. It is a miniseries created, co-written, and directed by Ava DuVernay. The show is based on the true story of the Central Park jogger case, focusing on the wrongful conviction of five young black men in New York City in 1989.

Explore

• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music / Soundtrack

About

The Central Park jogger case was a highly publicized and controversial case in which a woman was brutally assaulted and raped while jogging in Central Park. When They See Us explores the lives of Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana, and Korey Wise, who were wrongfully convicted for the crime.

The show delves into the social and racial dynamics at play during the case, as well as the flaws in the justice system that led to the wrongful convictions. It portrays the impact on the lives of the five men and their families, and the systemic injustices they faced as black and Latino youths in America.

When They See Us is a powerful and emotionally charged portrayal of the case, shedding light on the lives disrupted and destroyed by the injustice inflicted upon the five innocent young men.

Making / Production

When They See Us was created and co-written by Ava DuVernay, known for her work on films such as Selma and A Wrinkle in Time. DuVernay also directed and produced the miniseries.

The production of the show involved extensive research, including interviews and personal accounts from the real-life individuals involved in the case. DuVernay aimed to present an honest and accurate portrayal of the events, while also highlighting the broader issues of racial bias and injustice within the criminal justice system.

The miniseries consists of four episodes, each around an hour long. It premiered on May 31, 2019, on Netflix, and received critical acclaim for its storytelling, acting, and social impact.

Actors

• Jharrel Jerome as Korey Wise: Jerome delivers a riveting performance as Korey Wise, one of the wrongfully convicted men who spent the most time in prison.
• Asante Blackk as Kevin Richardson: Blackk portrays the young Kevin Richardson, showing the emotional toll the case took on him.
• Ethan Herisse as Young Yusef Salaam: Herisse portrays Yusef Salaam as a teenager, capturing his resilience in the face of adversity.
• Caleel Harris as Young Antron McCray: Harris brings the character of Antron McCray to life, showcasing his struggles as he navigates through the criminal justice system.
• Marquis Rodriguez as Young Raymond Santana: Rodriguez portrays Raymond Santana, highlighting his determination to seek justice and clear his name.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• When They See Us received widespread critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling and the performances of its cast.
• The series sparked nationwide discussions about racial inequality and the flaws in the criminal justice system.
• The real-life Central Park Five were eventually exonerated in 2002 after another man confessed to the crime and his DNA matched the evidence found at the scene.
• The show received 16 Emmy Award nominations and won 2, including Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series for Jharrel Jerome's portrayal of Korey Wise.

Awards

When They See Us has received numerous awards and nominations. Some notable awards include:

• Emmy Awards: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series (Jharrel Jerome)
• NAACP Image Awards: Outstanding Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special
• Black Reel Awards: Outstanding Television Movie or Limited Series

Quotes

• "It's not just about the Central Park Five. It's about all the other young men and women of color who have been unjustly entangled in the system." - Ava DuVernay
• "The system, it's broken. And I mean completely broken. And what frees Korey in the end is the human spirit." - Jharrel Jerome
• "No one really wants the truth. They want their version of the truth." - Korey Wise

Music / Soundtrack

The soundtrack of When They See Us includes a mix of songs that enhance the emotional impact of the series. It features artists like Stevie Wonder, Michael Kiwanuka, and Nina Simone, among others.

Overall, When They See Us is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged miniseries that sheds light on the devastating consequences of racial injustice within the criminal justice system.