Two Sides

Watch Two Sides

  • 2018
  • 1 Season

Two Sides is an American crime documentary television series produced by TV One and hosted by civil rights leader Reverend Al Sharpton. The show first premiered on January 22, 2018, and focuses on controversial cases of police brutality and racial injustice. The series' premise is to explore the two distinct perspectives, or sides, of high-profile cases involving police shootings or excessive force against African Americans. The two sides are those of the law enforcement community and the victim's family or community. The show aims to provide an expose into controversial cases and help viewers understand the complexities of wrongful shootings.

In each episode, Sharpton interviews key personalities such as family members, friends, colleagues, and witnesses, to gain insight into the events that happened leading to the shootings. He also speaks with lawyers, activists, and experts to provide context for the issues raised in each case.

One of the significant benefits of the show is to highlight the impact of systemic social injustices on Black communities in America. Often, fatal police shootings are just the most visible result of these deep-seated issues. When discussing the cases, the show addresses broader issues relating to poverty, inequality, and structural racism that impact Black communities.

Two Sides also features reenactments of the events surrounding each case - this approach provides viewers with a visual grasp of the details of each case, making it easier for them to understand what transpired. The reenactments help in humanizing the victims of the cases, which can often help the wider community empathize with their situation.

Overall, the show unpacks critical issues surrounding racial tensions in America and provides a detailed and intimate look at high-profile cases. It can be helpful for individuals interested in the intersection of racial justice and the criminal justice system, as well as policymakers and law enforcement organizations concerned with improving community-police relations.

The show is a call-to-action that asks viewers to better understand the impact of social and economic inequality on marginalized communities. Through the show, Sharpton wants viewers to commit to a broader conversation that can eventually guide us towards rebuilding and rethinking modern institutions of power and justice.

Two Sides offers a unique opportunity to explore the many issues central to justice and equality while providing a broad perspective on the complexities of high-profile cases. The show offers a nuanced view of the pain, anger, and desperation felt by the Black community when they experience police brutality.

In summary, Two Sides is an essential television series that offers a unique perspective on racial tensions and police brutality in America. By exploring different perspectives, the show provides an objective analysis of high-profile police brutality cases and the surrounding context. It raises critical issues about structural racism, inequality, and unchecked police power, and provides an intimate and emotional perspective on the impact of police brutality on families and communities. Viewers will find the show informative, engaging, and necessary to understanding the ongoing struggle for racial justice in America.

Two Sides
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Seasons
Sandra Bland
4. Sandra Bland
February 12, 2018
When Officer Brian Encinia pulls Sandra Bland over for a minor traffic violation, the encounter turns argumentative, then physical.
Episode 3
3. Episode 3
February 5, 2018
The case of a man who discover an unpackaged air rifle lying on a shelf in a Wal-Mart is spotlighted.
Episode 2
2. Episode 2
January 29, 2018
This episode will explore both the legal system (how does someone expunge their record/change the law's perception of them once they're in the system?) and the way in which the government, and police specifically, handle individuals with mental health issues. Ezell Ford grew up in a neighborhood where little to no opportunity was afforded to him outside of petty crime and gang activity. When a 25-year-old with schizophrenia and the mental capacity of a ten-year-old is targeted by police, we're left with the question - is proximity to crime a crime in itself?
Eric Garner
1. Eric Garner
January 22, 2018
In the series premiere, the death of Eric Garner is spotlighted.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    January 22, 2018