We Need to Talk About Cosby trailer examines his complex legacy

For decades, Bill Cosby was America’s dad, but that all came crashing down after approximately 60 women accused Cosby of rape, drug-facilitated sexual assault, sexual battery, and more going all the way back to the 1960s. The allegations seem to have been an open secret in certain circles but came as a shock to many who had considered Bill Cosby to be a hero and an inspiration. Reconciling those feelings can be difficult and a four-part documentary series from W. Kamau Bell aims to take an in-depth look at Cosby’s legacy and his actions. Showtime has released the first full trailer for We Need to Talk About Cosby, which you can check out above.

We Need to Talk About Cosby will “explore the complex story of Cosby’s life and work, weighing his actions against his indisputable global influence through interviews with comedians, cultural commentators, journalists and women who share their most personal, harrowing encounters with Cosby. Through archival footage, Cosby reveals who he may have been all along — the antithesis of the principled, public figure who became a hero, not only to African American people but to all people.” W. Kamau Bell grew up idolizing Bill Cosby, which makes the series all the more personal. Bell will peel back “complex layers, portraying the genius performer, philanthropist and role model, contrasted by the accused sexual predator that now defines him. It offers viewers the chance to reconsider Cosby’s mark in a society where rape culture, toxic masculinity, capitalism and white supremacy are shaping how we re-evaluate sex, power and agency.”

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned Bill Cosby’s convictions last summer, saying that an unwritten promise from DA Bruce Castor agreeing not to prosecute him should have prevented him from being charged. Cosby was later freed from state prison and continues to maintain his innocence. We Need to Talk About Cosby will screen at the Sundance Film Festival on January 22nd before premiering on Showtime on January 30th.