A new Netflix series will examine the true story of the 'Central Park Five', a group of five teenagers wrongly convicted of a rape they had not committed.
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Premiering on 31 May, When They See Us is a four-part series created by Ava DuVernay (also the writer behind 2014's acclaimed historical drama Selma), and features an all-star cast.
It delves into the harrowing, real-life story of Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana and Korey Wise - all men of colour - who were accused and convicted of assaulting and raping a white woman who was jogging in Central Park, New York, in 1989.
The 'Central Park Five', as they were dubbed, maintained their innocence throughout the case, trial and prison terms - with sentences ranging from 5 to 15 years.
They weren't exonerated until 2002, which was when convicted murderer and rapist Matias Reyes confessed to the crime.
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The men then sued the City of New York for malicious prosecution, racial discrimination and emotional distress (Donald Trump even waded in, calling for the return of the death penalty), and while the city initially denied any wrongdoing, the case was eventually settled for $41 million in 2014.
The programme synopsis reads: "Based on a true story that gripped the country, When They See Us will chronicle the notorious case of five teenagers of colour, labelled the Central Park Five, who were convicted of a rape they did not commit.
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"The four-part limited series will focus on the five teenagers from Harlem - Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana and Korey Wise. Beginning in the spring of 1989, when the teenagers were first questioned about the incident, the series will span 25 years, highlighting their exoneration in 2002 and the settlement reached with the city of New York in 2014."
Oprah Winfrey, Robert De Niro, Jeff Skoll, Jonathan King, Jane Rosenthal and Berry Welsh all serve as executive producers for the show, which features the likes of Michael K. Williams (The Wire), John Leguizamo (Super Mario Bros.), Felicity Huffman (Magnolia) and more.
DuVernay has said the five men have been heavily involved in the production, and were 'interviewed extensively' by all of the writing staff and while they were on set.
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She told GQ: "It had a working title of Central Park Five, which is what a lot of people still refer to it as. But I wasn't interested in assigning a name that was given to these men by the state, really, and by journalists. It was a moniker that I felt further dehumanised them.
"I want you to know their names, and I want you to see them. I want to talk about their case, but I also want to talk about the overall landscape and culture in which their case can exist."
She added: "I think when you see the stories of these men, hopefully, most people will be called to some kind of action."
Already it seems like the series will be a powerful watch, with one YouTuber commenting on the trailer: "I'm from New York, same age as these guys. The trailer alone has me in tears. I'm not an angry black man, I'm a furious one."
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Someone else wrote: "I almost wanna thumbs down this cause it's upsetting af. But damn this angers me... good job Ava."
A third said: "Definitely want to watch. And can you imagine how many people actually get put behind bars and really didn't commit the crime."
Another person added: "I'm already mad at the cops, the lawyer, the judge, half the jury, the lying witness and the tv audience watching the trial."
When They See Us premieres on Netflix on 31 May. Come and tell us what you think over at Netflix Bangers on Facebook.
Topics: Entertainment, TV and Film, True Crime, Netflix