THE TRIAL: 5 ANNOUNCES ONE-OFF JUSTICE DRAMA, CASTING CONFIRMED

5 confirmed the commission and casting of The Trial (w/t), a powerful one-off drama produced by Adorable Media. This thought-provoking special explores a chillingly plausible near-future in which parents are held legally responsible for the crimes of their children, raising unsettling questions about justice, culpability, and the limits of state control.

Set in the United Kingdom in the not too near future, The Trial (w/t) follows Dione and David Sinclair, a couple thrust into a nightmarish legal battle when their teenage daughter, Teah, commits a serious crime.

Under a radical new law, parents are no longer just bystanders in their children’s actions they are directly accountable. They now face relentless interrogation as every aspect of their parenting, lifestyle, and past decisions are scrutinised. If found guilty, they could face life behind bars.

Claire Skinner (Outnumbered, Coma) and Ben Miles (Downton Abbey, Douglas is Cancelled) lead as the embattled parents, struggling to defend themselves against a system that sees them as perpetrators rather than victims.

Their interrogator, the relentless and unyielding Sarah Willis, is played by Saoirse-Monica Jackson (Derry Girls, The Doll Factory). Completing the cast, Jaz Hutchins (Canary Black, The Return) portrays Lieutenant Simons, while India Fowler (The Agency, Insomnia) plays the troubled teenage daughter Teah Sinclair.

Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor, Drama at 5, said: “This marks an exciting new direction in our drama slate, embracing one-off, high-impact storytelling that sparks conversation. We’re excited to work with Adorable Media who have put together an exceptional team to tell this fascinating story.”

Richelle Wilder, Producer at Adorable Media, added: "This is our first time working with 5, whose extraordinary support allowed Adorable Media to produce a highly original, thought provoking and emotional drama."

The 1 x 60’ drama is produced by Adorable Media for 5.