If you were held legally responsible for a crime your child committed, how would you feel? Angry? Conflicted? Betrayed? This emotional dilemma takes centre stage in the upcoming Channel 5 drama, The Trial.
Similarly to Netflix's Adolescence, which focused on the aftermath of a 13-year-old boy being arrested for murder, this also explores the effects of a crime committed by a teenager, except it will be the parents who are questioned.
What is The Trial on Channel 5 about?
Set in the near future in the UK, the new drama imagines a society transformed by a radical new law called Milligan's Law, where parents are held directly accountable for the actions of their children - it’s not just the crime that's examined, but the entire fabric of a family’s life.
"Couple Dione and David Sinclair are thrust into a nightmarish legal battle when their teenage daughter, Teah, commits a serious crime," the synopsis tells us.
"Under a radical new law, parents are no longer just bystanders in their children's actions - they are directly accountable. Dione and David now face relentless interrogation on every aspect of their parenting, lifestyle, and past decisions. If found guilty, they could face life behind bars."
Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor, Drama at 5, says: "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."
Who's in the cast of The Trial on Channel 5?
• Claire Skinner (Outnumbered, Coma) as Dione Sinclair
• Ben Miles (The Capture, Douglas is Cancelled) as David Sinclair
• Saoirse-Monica Jackson (Derry Girls, This City Is Ours) as interrogator Sarah Willis
• Jaz Hutchins (Black Ops, The Return) as Lieutenant Simons
• India Fowler (The Agency, Insomnia) as Teah Sinclair
When can I watch The Trial on Channel 5?
The one-off drama is one hour long and will air on Thursday, 8th May at 9 pm on Channel 5. If you miss it, it will also be available to watch on the catch-up service My5.
Arabella Horspool is a Commercial Content Writer for Yours at Bauer Media. She's a bookworm who is passionate about TV, film and theatre. She enjoys cooking, cinema trips, playing board games and walking her three dogs.