Oprah: Where Are They Now? Season 1 Episode 1 The Children Oprah Never Forgot

In the first episode of Oprah: Where Are They Now? season 1, titled The Children Oprah Never Forgot, Oprah takes viewers on a poignant journey down memory lane as she revisits some of the most impactful and unforgettable moments from her earlier career.

The episode starts with an introspective Oprah recalling her initial struggles with connecting with her audience, specifically with children. She shares how being labeled as “the Queen of Daytime television” often overshadowed her ability to connect genuinely with her viewers. She then proceeds to introduce some of the children she had featured on her show in the past, detailing their journeys and struggles after the episodes aired.

First, viewers meet 27-year-old Brandon, who was one of the brave children featured in Oprah's 1991 episode on sexually abused boys. Brandon speaks candidly about the ways in which the show's airing affected his life, both positively and negatively. He shares how it helped him come to terms with his own abuse, but also how it resulted in retraumatization due to backlash from peers at school.

Next, Oprah reconnects with Ashley, a young girl who had been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 1995 for her heroic actions in saving her younger brother from a house fire. Ashley, now in her 30s, reminisces on the day of filming, recalling how she was overwhelmed with emotion and felt like she had met an angel in Oprah. She also details the transition into adulthood and the various ways in which the win of saving her brother affected her life in the long term.

The episode then delves into more somber stories with the introduction of Michael, one of the children from Oprah's September 1987 show addressing the AIDS epidemic. Michael shares the heartbreaking reality of losing all of his friends from the show and discusses the stigma he faced due to his HIV+ status. Oprah and Michael then discuss the need for HIV/AIDS education and the ways in which society's perspective on the illness has shifted since the airing of that groundbreaking episode.

Lastly, Oprah reunites with Tracey and her mother Dawn, who were featured on a 1997 episode discussing Tracey's adoption. The segment was significant as it served as the catalyst for Oprah's own journey in adopting her first child, now known as Oprah's daughter, Gracie. Tracey and Dawn speak candidly about the adoption process and the complications that arose from a lack of support and understanding from their family. They also discuss the ongoing work they do to help other families navigate similar situations.

Throughout the episode, Oprah uses her platform to discuss the various ways in which she has tried to stay connected with the children who appeared on her show, highlighting the importance of empathy, understanding, and continued support in helping them navigate the ups and downs of life. The episode ultimately serves as a reminder of the enormous impact Oprah has had on countless lives and demonstrates the power of her platform to inspire change and initiate conversation on important issues.