8.8
Where can I stream When They See Us legally?
When They See Us is included with a subscription to Netflix in the United States. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
When They See Us
2019·Show
When They See Us fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, no humor.
Energy
Nerve-racking and violent
- Tension9
- Violence7
- Adrenaline6
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about growing up and family.
- Pathos10
- Coming of Age9
- Melancholy8
Humor
Serious throughout
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Cringe Humor1
- Satire & Parody1
World
Crime, a real life story, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion9
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout performances, direction, and storytelling
- Acting10
- Direction9
- Narrative Structure9
Style
Standout cinematography and editing
- Cinematography8
- Editing8
- Music Composition7
Energy
HighNerve-racking and violent
When They See Us is nerve-racking and violent.
All energy traits
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence7Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare4Frightening moments and scares.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
MediumDeeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about growing up and family.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving and melancholic. Much of it is about growing up and family.
All heart traits
- Pathos10Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Coming of Age9Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Romance1Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
NoneSerious throughout
Expect almost no humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Dark Humor0Humor from taboo or grim topics.
World
MediumCrime, a real life story, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around crime, a real life story, and society. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity2Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Crime10Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Biographical10Lives of notable figures.
- Social Commentary10Perspectives on society and norms.
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Politics8Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
Craft
HighStandout performances, direction, and storytelling
The performances, direction, and storytelling stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting10Performance craft and presence.
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure9Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Educational9Informative and instructive.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
HighStandout cinematography and editing
Look and sound: the cinematography and editing stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBinge-FriendlyThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You want something to laugh atYou need an uplifting mood
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Episode ratings
| Season | Episode 1 | Episode 2 | Episode 3 | Episode 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode | |
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| Episode 1 | |
| Episode 2 | |
| Episode 3 | |
| Episode 4 |
About
What if all boys were created equal?
Five teens from Harlem become trapped in a nightmare when they're falsely accused of a brutal attack in Central Park.
Devastating True Crime DramaSystemic Injustice CritiquePowerful Ensemble PerformanceEmotionally ExhaustingHistorical Racial ProfilingEducational & Essential ViewingDeeply Humanizing TragedyTense Procedural NarrativeUnflinching Social Commentary
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about When They See Us
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is When They See Us worth watching?
87
ExcellentGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 88/100 (IMDb 8.8, Rotten Tomatoes 96%, and Metacritic 86). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is When They See Us rated?
TV-MAViolenceStrong languageDisturbing imagerySuicide themes
It's rated TV-MA in the United States. Content advisories: violence, strong language, disturbing imagery, and suicide themes.
How many seasons does When They See Us have?
1 season
It has 1 season with 4 episodes.
Is When They See Us based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
Do critics and audiences agree on When They See Us?
Critics91
Audiences85
Yes. Critics average 91 and audiences 85 out of 100, so both groups see When They See Us much the same way.
When did When They See Us air?
S1
It ran from 2019 to 2019 and has ended.
What language is When They See Us in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch When They See Us?
127
+113
+113GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for When They See Us in 127 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does When They See Us use?
Amoral AttorneyArtistic License – HistoryThe AtonerMissing White Woman SyndromeNever My FaultNo Good Deed Goes UnpunishedIt Will Never Catch OnMiscarriage of JusticeHellhole PrisonPet the DogBittersweet EndingClear Their Nameand 26 more
TV Tropes lists 38 storytelling tropes for When They See Us, including Amoral Attorney, Artistic License – History, The Atoner.