In 1982, two families, the Sanders and the Landrys, are badly shaken when they learn that a mysterious deadly disease called AIDS is threatening the blood system. Each has boys with hemophilia, a genetic condition that means they depend on blood products to live. The medical community struggles to understand the growing epidemic while others deny the urgency.

With his son's life hanging in the balance, Will Sanders desperately fights to get those in charge of blood safety to heed the danger. The Landry's struggle to keep their family together after their son, Peter, distraught that he is likely infected with AIDS, leaves home. Dr. Christos Tsoukas publishes results of a study that suggests fifty percent of all hemophiliacs in Canada are HIV positive.

In 1994, Justice Horace Krever is appointed to lead an inquiry into the tainted blood scandal. Shocking revelations and heart wrenching testimony are laid bare as he digs for the truth. Estranged from his family, Ben's quest for revenge is galvanized, as victims around him continue to die. Krever is halted when those he intends to accuse of misconduct take him to court.

As the criminal trial falls apart, Ben considers taking matters into his own hands. Peter and Ryan both struggle with illness while forging families of their own. In 2015, both of their lives hang in the balance as the tragedy finally threatens to catch up to them.