Denzel Washington‘s Training Day was one movie that did more than just entertain, it did something far more powerful. The movie shattered expectations, broke records, and delivered one of the most electrifying performances in cinema history. More than two decades after its release, Training Day remains a gold standard in crime thrillers.
But what truly set it apart was Denzel Washington’s transformation into the corrupt yet charismatic Alonzo Harris, a role so impressive that it won him the Best Actor Oscar; making him only the second Black actor in history to claim the award. Luckily, Training Day is returning to free-to-air TV for viewers to stream and see the movie that took the world by storm.
What is ‘Training Day’ about and why is it such a fan favorite?
Training Day is about an LAPD officer, Jake Hoyt, played by Ethan Hawke, who goes on what seems like a routine evaluation to join the elite narcotics unit. He is paired with veteran detective Alonzo Harris, whose methods quickly raise suspicions. What starts as a simple ride-along turns into a day of moral dilemmas, power struggles, and shocking betrayals.
Beyond its thrilling story, Training Day helped reshape the crime genre. It was different from the traditional good-versus-evil narratives, and it showed the moral gray areas of law enforcement. The film remains one of the most studied crime dramas in modern cinema.
Where and when to watch ‘Training Day’
For the first time in years, Training Day is returning to free-to-air TV. The film will be broadcast on BBC Two at 10 PM on Sunday, March 2, following Forensics: The Real CSI. After the live airing, it will also be available for streaming on BBC iPlayer.
Fans of intense crime dramas and gripping performances won’t want to miss this. Whether you’re watching for the first time or reliving Washington’s Oscar-winning role, Training Day remains one of the most compelling crime thrillers ever made.