EPISODE
When We Rise - Season 1
The series is about the movement born from the 1969 Stonewall riots. It chronicles the real-life personal and political struggles, set-backs and triumphs of a diverse family of LGBT men and women who helped pioneer one of the last legs of the U.S. Civil Rights movement.
22 November 1966, Flatbush, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA
8 February 1962, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
4 January 1980, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
21 March 1962, Commack, Long Island, New York, USA
February 28, 2017
While the excellent acting and compelling storyline in this series will likely draw viewers attention, the often stilted messaging can dull the drama.
February 23, 2017
A sprawling story creates an awkward combination of history lessons and personal stories, and broadcast standards prove far too restrictive. The result is a conglomeration of narratives that never reach their full potential.
March 02, 2017
When We Rise admirably illustrates the virtue and necessity of activism, but it doesn't have enough muscle. There's a piousness, a politeness at root in the series that withers in the harsh glare of our political moment.
February 27, 2017
For those under a certain age it's likely to be a well-dramatized history lesson; for those over that age it's a flashback look at modern times.
February 27, 2017
When We Rise is a high minded and generally recommended history of the gay rights movement, a sincere effort by Dustin Lance Black, screenwriter of Milk to provide history and hope in an eight-hour project.
March 06, 2017
This four-night drama about the gay and lesbian rights movement in the United States is packed with wonderfully nuanced performances and splendidly resonant moments.
February 27, 2017
Only by its own wild choices, like stunt casting and narrative stasis does the series start to lose its way, although the fire for the story it wants to tell is constantly, visibly burning.
February 27, 2017
Important television, but also wildly, maddeningly uneven TV, too.
February 23, 2017
Given the shortcomings and overreaches of the script, the acting is as good as it can be, with Skeggs standing out as the young Guy and Williams evoking deep alienation effectively.