Netflix Set To Release Docuseries Based On The Innocence Project Titled ’The Innocence Files”

Netflix has ordered a docuseries titled The Innocence Files that will explore the criminal justice reform initiative, The Innocence Project, Variety reported on Monday.⠀⠀⠀⠀

“We are thrilled to be part of the groundbreaking Netflix series, ‘The Innocence Files,'” said Peter Neufeld and Barry Scheck, Innocence Project co-founders and special counsel of the Innocence Project. “This is truly important television. Each episode reveals–step by step–how the American criminal justice system gets it wrong. These stories feature people whose freedom was stolen because of governments’ reliance on junk science, discredited and suggestive eyewitness identification procedures, and prosecutors who engage in misconduct to win at any cost. We hope these stories motivate people to take action. There are tried and tested reforms that will improve the system to make it more fair and just. Countless innocent people endure unspeakable suffering in maximum security prisons and death row for crimes they didn’t commit. These miscarriages of justice extend a circle of pain and trauma that embraces families, communities, and even victims of crime. We must do better.”

According to Variety, documentary filmmakers Liz Garbus, Alex Gibney, Roger Ross Williams, Jed Rothstein, Andy Grieve, and Sarah Dowland will serve as directors on “The Innocence Files.”

“It’s a true honor to work with three of the world’s most celebrated documentarians – Liz Garbus, Alex Gibney, and Roger Ross Williams – who developed ‘The Innocence Files,’ a deeply compelling series that explores the blurred lines between justice and injustice. We’re incredibly grateful to Innocence Project co-founders Peter Neufeld and Barry Scheck for their guidance and trust, and for the opportunity to highlight their valiant work,” said Adam Del Deo, Netflix’s vice president of original documentary features, in a statement.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Each of the hour-long episodes in the nine-episode season will take a look at the personal stories behind eight cases of wrongful convictions that the Innocence Project and organizations within the Innocence Network have helped to overturn, freeing dozens of innocent individuals. The series will be divided into three parts: The Evidence, The Witness, and The Prosecution.

The series will feature the stories of Chester Hollman III, Kenneth Wyniemko, Alfred Dewayne Brown, Thomas Haynesworth, Franky Carrillo, Levon Brooks, Kennedy Brewer, and Keith Harward.

The series will premiere on April 15th.