Premiered: January 6, 2016

On: ABC

Starring: Felicity Huffman, Timothy Hutton, Lili Taylor, Elvis Nolasco, Trevor Jackson, Connor Jessup, Joey Pollari, Angelique Rivera, Regina King, Hope Davis, Faran Tahir, André L. Benjamin, Emily Bergl, Christopher Stanley, Brent Anderson, Stephanie Sigman, Richard Cabral, Lynn Blackburn, Sky Azure Van Vilet, Michael Seitz & Ty Doran

With kids struggling in high school – especially among topics like bullying and sexual identity – and turning to violence, the second season of American Crime hits many important notes.

When Anne Blaine (Lili Taylor) finds out her son Taylor (Connor Jessup) may have been sexually assaulted at a party, she takes matters into her own hands. However, Principal Graham (Felicity Huffman) protects the two basketball players being questioned (Trevor Jackson & Joey Pollari).

The ensemble cast gives incredibly powerful performances. Jessup and Pollari both are captivating as they discover their sexual identities.

Unlike many high school television shows, this feels like it could be real. The drama, while intense, could happen and this show should be a conversation starter among parents and children.

Final say: This cast brings an important narrative to light. ★★★★☆