What Would You Do: OWN Edition: Season 1 (2011)

The first episode features several scenarios, including a situation where a woman is seen being verbally abused by her partner in a public setting, and bystanders are faced with the decision to intervene or remain passive. Another scenario involves a child being bullied at a playground, prompting viewers to consider how they would react to witnessing such behavior.

Participants in the scenarios exhibit a range of reactions. In the verbal abuse scenario, some individuals step in to confront the abuser, while others choose to ignore the situation, showcasing a spectrum of empathy and moral courage. In the bullying scenario, some adults intervene to support the child, while others hesitate, reflecting their internal conflict about getting involved.

The actors portraying victims in the scenarios exhibit visible distress and vulnerability, evoking sympathy from the audience. The abusers often display aggression or indifference, heightening the tension. Bystanders show a mix of concern, fear, and uncertainty, which adds to the emotional weight of the situations.

The hidden cameras capture a variety of reactions from bystanders, ranging from immediate intervention to shocked silence. Some individuals express outrage and confront the aggressors, while others are seen whispering to each other, unsure of how to act. These reactions highlight the complexity of human behavior in moral dilemmas.

The host serves as a guide throughout the scenarios, introducing each situation and providing context for the viewers. After each scenario, the host engages with the participants to discuss their motivations and feelings about their actions, facilitating a deeper understanding of the moral questions raised by the situations.