Plot Synopsis

Narrated and executive produced by Viola Davis, TWO SIDES is a four-part docuseries that explores watershed moments for law enforcement and the Black community at the crossroads between life and death, examining both sides of fatal police encounters involving African American citizens. Their tragic deaths sparked grassroots social justice movements such as Black Lives Matter, inspired protests by high profile personalities, and immortalized their names as tragic figures in the polarizing debate on police brutality and race. In addition to discussing the circumstances leading to the victims' fateful encounter with police, family and friends share their heart-breaking accounts of where they were when their loved ones died, along with fond memories and recollections of their young lives. Law enforcement experts and independent commentators offer expertise and opinions on each incident with explanations of police regulations and procedures, as well as an analysis of the many factors involved in each of these four unique events. The series also features commentary from high profile contributors such as activist Rev. Al Sharpton, Congresswoman Maxine Waters and attorney Christopher Darden, as well as representatives from various law enforcement agencies and other notable pundits. Each 60-minute episode takes a comprehensive look into a different officer-involved death, including the cases of involving:

Eric Garner (age 43; Staten Island, NY): In the summer of 2014, Eric Garner was choked and killed by NYPD officers while being arrested. The 43-year-old was standing outside of a beauty supply store in Staten Island, New York when police tried to arrest him for allegedly illegally selling loose cigarettes. The video of Officer Daniel Pantaleo putting Garner in a chokehold went viral. Although the medical examiner ruled his death a homicide, a grand jury has thus far declined to indict Pantaleo. The series opener premiered Monday, January 22, 2018 at 10pm ET/PT on TV One.

Ezell Ford (25; Los Angeles, CA): Ezell Ford died at 25-years-old in August 2014 after being shot three times in the back during a scuffle with Los Angeles Police Department Officers Sharlton Wampler and Antonio Villegas. Competing accounts of the events surrounding Ford's death sparked unrest and demonstrations. Almost two years later, in June 2016, the Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners concluded that only one of the officers was justified in the shooting. Upon receiving the ruling, the Ford family filed a lawsuit against the LAPD claiming $75 million in damages; the case was eventually settled out of court. Premiered Monday, January 29, 2018 at 10pm ET/PT on TV One.

John Crawford (22; Dayton, OH): John Crawford III was shot by officers while carrying a BB gun at a Wal-Mart store in Beavercreek, Ohio. Crawford was only 22-years-old at the time of his death in August 2014. A grand jury failed to indict Officer Sean Williams and Sgt. David Darkow, leading to protests by members of the Black Lives Matter movement. Premiered Monday, February 5, 2018 at 10pm ET/PT on TV One.

Sandra Bland (28; Hempstead, TX): In the summer of 2015, Sandra Bland was found hanging in her jail cell after being arrested at a traffic stop three days prior. Her death was ultimately ruled a suicide but Bland's family disagrees. The dispute over Bland's cause of death led to unrest in communities across the nation. The season finale premiered Monday, February 12, 2018 at 10pm ET/PT on TV One.