Watch The Night Of
- TV-MA
- 2016
- 1 Season
-
8.4 (158,318)
The Night Of is an American crime drama television miniseries that premiered on HBO back in 2016. The show was directed by Steven Zaillian and James Marsh and is an adaptation of the 2008 BBC show called Criminal Justice, written by Peter Moffat. The eight-episode series tells the story of a young Pakistani-American, Nasir "Naz" Khan, played by Riz Ahmed, who is accused of murder after a night of partying with a stranger in New York City. The Night Of begins with Nasir, a college student from Queens, borrowing his father's taxi to attend a party. There, he meets a mysterious woman named Andrea, played by Sofia Black-D'Elia, who invites him to her home. Things take a dark turn when Nasir wakes up the next morning, covered in blood, and finds Andrea brutally murdered in her bed. Panicked, Nasir flees the apartment but is eventually arrested and charged with her murder. As the series progresses, we see Nasir struggling to prove his innocence, coming up against the complexities of the American justice system. Alongside Ahmed, the show features a stellar supporting cast, including John Turturro as Naz's defense attorney, John Stone; Bill Camp as Detective Box, the lead investigator on the case, and Michael Kenneth Williams as Freddy Knight, an inmate at Rikers Island who becomes Nasir's mentor and protector. The Night Of is a slow-burning series that focuses more on the justice system and its flaws than the murder case itself. Throughout the eight episodes, we delve into the procedural and ethical aspects of the case, examining how the criminal justice system can often fail the innocent. It portrays a grim portrayal of the American prison system, shedding light on the bureaucratic nature of the law and the often-damaging impact that it can have on people's lives. One of the show's strengths is the way in which it slowly reveals more about each character, from Detective Box's troubled past to Naz's family life and Stone's struggles with eczema. The characters are all brilliantly written and portrayed, each with their own motivations and inner demons. The pacing of the show is deliberate, with each episode building upon the previous one, creating a sense of tension and anticipation as the story unfolds. Aside from the show's storytelling, The Night Of is also stunningly shot, with breathtaking visuals of New York City's gritty and often dangerous streets. The show's cinematography captures the mood and atmosphere of the city, creating a sense of realism that adds to the show's authenticity. Overall, The Night Of is an excellent miniseries that tackles complex issues surrounding the American justice system. It is a thought-provoking and emotionally compelling drama that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. It is a show that will stay with you long after you finish watching it, leaving you with a greater understanding of the criminal justice system and the people it affects.