When They See Us (2019) Extra

Oprah Winfrey Presents: When They See Us Now

This program is divided into three sections. Oprah brought out Ava Duvernay the director and co-writer of When They See Us, along with most of the primary cast members. Oprah talked to the director for the first 10 minutes. She spent the next 20 minutes talking to the cast of the mini-series. All of the actors who played the 5 young men, the exonerated 5, were there expect for the actor who played Ray as a young man. Also on stage were Michael K. Williams, Nicey Nash, and Joshua Jackson. All of them got a chance to speak. There were three other members of the production team but Oprah did not ask them any questions.

The cast and crew on stage took a seat in the audience, around the midway point in this 61 minute program, and Oprah then brought out the actual five exonerated men. She talked to them about what they went through, both the good and the bad, and what it was like seeing their story brought to life. Three of them (Yusef, Kevin, Ray) were very eager to talk. Antron talked but he did not seem as outgoing as the other three. Korey said very little. Oprah didn't push him too much but she asked him a few questions. Most of his answers were short. He seemed uncomfortable.

I think it makes sense to watch this program after watching the mini-series. There were a number of moments that moved me. Some occurred when the actors were talking about how they prepared for their roles. Others happened when the actual 5 men talked about their experiences.

This hour of television is definitely worth a watch, especially if you have seen the mini-series.