THE ACCUSED: CHANNEL 5 ANNOUNCES DOUBLE ORDER FOR HIT DOCUSERIES

5 announce the recommission of acclaimed UK docuseries The Accused from Brinkworth Productions. The hit format’s return sees 12x90’ episodes commissioned across two years.

The Accused tells the dramatic stories of people at the most vital and most terrifying moment of their lives. With unprecedented access to the legal defence team and the accused - from charge to verdict - it reveals the true inside story of what happens when you are accused of a serious crime.

Each episode follows the raw, emotional reality of the defendant’s life. In addition to capturing the legal process from the inside in real time, we see jobs lost, reputations ruined, communities turn hostile and relationships reach breaking point from the strain of being accused. 

Filmed from the defendant’s point of view, The Accused shows someone, with no previous criminal record, face the full force of the justice system and their fight against a devastating accusation. 

The original 5 series led to a US version for A&E produced by Brinkworth, which has totalled 60 plus episodes so far over 7 series with more episodes to come.  That US series has been a huge hit on 5 Streaming.

The return of this eye-opening series was commissioned by Guy Davies, Consultant Editor for Commissioning, 5, with Malcolm Brinkworth, Xander Brinkworth, and Susanne Curran to Executive Produce for Brinkworth Productions.

On recommissioning the series, Guy Davies, Consultant Editor for Commissioning, 5, comments: “The Accused films were groundbreaking hits and critical wins for us. It’s a title strongly associated with 5 in the UK and we’re delighted it’s coming back bigger than ever.”

Malcolm Brinkworth, CEO Brinkworth Productions, adds: “Brinkworth made two pioneering 90' Specials of The Accused in the UK for 5. Hugely acclaimed, the series went on to become a major success in the United States and throughout the world. A&E Networks commissioned multiple series, with the show becoming the No 1 true crime show on US Cable network. Now we’re excited to bring the series back to its original home on 5 with this multipart commission.”

The Accused is in currently in production, being filmed across an 18-month period as it follows select cases through the courts.