20 Best Netflix Original Shows
5. When They See Us
Netflix has created some truly remarkable miniseries in recent years - including the madly popular The Queen's Gambit and Unbelievable, both of which just missed out on this list - but none are quite as stirring and emotionally hard hitting as Ava DuVernay's masterful When They See Us.
The miniseries charts the events surrounding the trial of the Central Park Five - five Black teenagers who were racially profiled and coerced into giving a false confession for the rape of a white woman in New York. It follows the boys' torture, trials, imprisonment and later life, and how the traumatic events should never have happened.
When They See Us is a tale of innocence lost and the deep complexities of the American justice system. It's also an assessment of public opinion and the media's power over its audience.
The show is not an easy watch. In parts, it's even outright horrific. But that's the point. DuVernay - who directed every episode - makes it purposefully uncomfortable and bleak, digging into the deep and troubling complexities of the story.
The performances are revelations, the themes timely and harsh, and the show an absolute must-watch.