Oprah Winfrey Presents: When They See Us Now…

On June 12, 2019, Oprah Winfrey presented a groundbreaking interview companion special titled Oprah Winfrey Presents: When They See Us Now, in collaboration with Netflix and the Oprah Winfrey Network. This poignant special reunited the cast, creator, and the exonerated five from Ava DuVernay‘s acclaimed limited series When They See Us, providing viewers with an intimate and insightful look into the making of the series and the real-life impact of the 1989 Central Park jogger case.

**Part 1: Setting the Stage**

The special begins with Oprah Winfrey welcoming viewers to the program, setting the stage for the discussions to come. She reflects on the importance of storytelling in shining a light on injustice and giving a voice to the voiceless. Oprah emphasizes the significance of When They See Us as a catalyst for change and invites viewers to join her on a journey of discovery and enlightenment.

**Part 2: The Cast Reflects**

In the first segment of the interview, Oprah sits down with the cast of When They See Us, including Jharrel Jerome, Asante Blackk, Caleel Harris, Ethan Herisse, and other key members. The cast reflects on their experiences filming the series, sharing anecdotes from the set and discussing the emotional toll of portraying such intense and emotionally charged characters. They discuss the importance of authenticity and empathy in bringing the story to life, and express their gratitude for the opportunity to shed light on the injustices faced by the Central Park Five.

**Part 3: Behind the Scenes with Ava DuVernay**

Next, Oprah sits down with Ava DuVernay, the creator, co-writer, and director of When They See Us. DuVernay provides insights into her creative process, discussing the challenges of adapting such a complex and sensitive story for the screen. She reflects on the research and preparation that went into the series, as well as the importance of collaborating with the real-life subjects of the case to ensure authenticity and accuracy. DuVernay also discusses the impact of the series on audiences and the broader cultural conversation surrounding race, justice, and inequality.

**Part 4: The Exonerated Five Speak Out**

In the most powerful segment of the interview, Oprah sits down with the exonerated five—Kevin Richardson, Antron McCray, Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana, and Korey Wise. The men share their personal stories of injustice, recounting the trauma of their wrongful convictions and the years spent behind bars. They discuss the impact of When They See Us on their lives and the validation they feel from having their stories heard and believed. The men also reflect on their experiences since being exonerated, discussing their advocacy work and their hopes for the future.

**Part 5: The Impact of When They See Us**

In the final segment of the interview, Oprah and her guests reflect on the broader impact of When They See Us on society. They discuss the importance of storytelling in fostering empathy and understanding, and the role of media in shaping public perception and driving social change. The cast, creator, and exonerated five express their gratitude for the outpouring of support they have received since the release of the limited series, and their hopes for a future where justice and equality are truly attainable for all.

**Conclusion: A Call to Action**

As the interview special draws to a close, Oprah leaves viewers with a call to action, urging them to continue the conversation and work towards a more just and equitable society. She emphasizes the importance of listening to marginalized voices, amplifying their stories, and taking concrete steps to address systemic injustice. With When They See Us Now, Oprah and her guests have not only shed light on a dark chapter in American history but have also sparked a movement for change that will resonate for years to come.

You can watch a preview of Oprah Winfrey Presents: When They See Us Now below:

When They See Us Now is available now on Netflix…