Netflix viewers 'can't stop crying' at 'phenomenal' series based on a tragic true story

A Netflix series based on a heartbreaking true story has been hailed as a "masterpiece" by viewers. When They See Us, which premiered in 2019, is based on events that took place three decades prior.

The four-part series won the hearts of audiences, earning critical praise and 11 Primetime Emmy nominations. It also sparked discussions and raised awareness about racial bias in the justice system.

When They See Us recounts the 1989 Central Park jogger case, where five black and latino youths were wrongfully accused and prosecuted for the rape and assault of a white woman.

The series delves into how the trial and false accusations impacted the lives and families of the five juveniles. Asante Blackk plays Kevin Richardson, Caleel Harris plays Antron McCray, Ethan Herisse plays Yusef Salaam, Jharrel Jerome plays Korey Wise, and Marquis Rodriguez plays Raymond Santana.

The prosecutor divided the five men into two groups, and they were convicted by juries on various charges related to the assault.

Four of them were found guilty of rape, and all received maximum sentences for juveniles, except for Wise.

In December 2002, the five were exonerated when the actual perpetrator confessed, and DNA evidence corroborated his involvement. Serial rapist Matias Reyes, who had been imprisoned for attacking five other women, was the real culprit.

The wrongfully accused men took the City of New York to court for malicious prosecution, racial discrimination, and emotional distress, culminating in a staggering $41,000,000 settlement in 2014.

The drama concludes with scenes depicting their efforts to rebuild their lives post-ordeal, moving on to start families, pursue careers, and become figures in social justice activism.

How has When They See Us been received by audiences?

The docuseries has been applauded with a stellar 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an impressive 4.9 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews.

One viewer, heaping praise on the "phenomenal" series, exclaimed: "I just wanted to throw up some praise for what I wholeheartedly believe to be an imperfect MASTERPIECE. I mean, yes. At times, it goes a BIT overboard with the melodrama and theatrical hyperbole. And yes, it misrepresents and/or leaves out a few details here and there. But it is always in service of telling a truly RIGHTEOUS story. And look here; the fact remains that the OVERWHELMING majority of the events depicted in this wonderful, horrible, highly IMPORTANT series happened as close to EXACTLY as they were shown as would be humanly possible and still be considered historical fiction."

Another viewer enthused: "This TV show was absolutely amazing. I have never spoken about a series so much and couldn't recommend it more!! The series made me cry so many times, it honestly felt like I was experiencing the same thing just watching it."

Another viewer raved: "Absolutely one of the best things I have ever watched in my life. The emotion and just passion make you obsessed and want more. It makes you feel things as if you were there or something... i don't know how to explain it, I will say it made me cry, laugh, yell etc.." (sic)

When They See Us is available to watch on Netflix.