Not a whole lot was previously known about Netflix’s new series, “Seven Seconds.” We knew that it starred Regina King and was to be partially directed by “The Accountant” helmer Gavin O’Connor. We knew that it was created by Veena Sud, the executive producer and writer behind the critically acclaimed “The Killing.” As far as the series’ plot is concerned, for months all its official Netflix page said was this: “Tensions run high in Jersey City after an African American teenager is critically injured by a cop.” Netflix also recently released this creepy fifteen-second teaser, which doesn’t do much in the way of expanding on the central premise of this show.
So: an atmospheric, ripped-from-the-headlines topical race drama with a solid cast and proven talent behind the scenes. That alone means that this series has serious potential to break out in a big way, culturally and awards-wise. “Seven Seconds” could well be Netflix’s next “13 Reasons Why.” Now we have a trailer and a more expansive synopsis to clue us in:
In an instant, life is forever changed for Brenton Butler and his family. After a white cop accidentally hits and critically injures a black teenager, a northeastern city explodes with racial tensions, an attempted cover up and its aftermath, and the trial of the century. From creator and executive producer, Veena Sud (The Killing) comes Seven Seconds – a thrilling new anthological crime drama that explores the human stories behind the headlines.
“Seven Seconds”’ ten-episode first season also stars Clare-Hope Ashitey, Nadia Alexander, Raúl Castillo, Russell Hornsby, and Beau Knapp. It hits Netflix on February 23rd.