GLOBAL HIT DOCUSERIESTHE ACCUSED RETURNS TO 5

London, Wednesday 1st April 2026: 5 today 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 defense 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 totaled 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.   

ENDS   

Praise for The Accused series one:  

“A remarkable film which has the potential to create a new genre in television” – The Independent  

“An intimate, gripping study of the justice system at work” – The Guardian  

“A first for British television” – The Sunday Times 

“Innovative, intimate…Gripping and groundbreaking…” – The Telegraph  

“Compelling…” – The Observer  

“Never have I seen anything quite like The Accused before and what a strange, thought provoking programme it turned out to be” – The Express   

For press inquiries please contact: Kate Killgour | kate.killgour@paramount.com   

Notes to Editors  

About 5: 

5 is the home of award-winning content from the UK’s third largest commercial PSB, a culmination of the creative transformation of Channel 5 over more than a decade. 5 is part of the Paramount Skydance Corporation.   Through a mix of live TV channels and bingeable boxsets, the free-to-air service allows UK audiences to watch or stream the breadth of programming from the 5-branded portfolio, the dedicated preschool brand Milkshake!, and a wide selection from the wider Paramount family of brands, including BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV Entertainment Studios, Paramount+ and more.   In keeping with its PSB remit, 5 tells the story of modern Britain by reflecting the lives of people across the UK, featuring well-known faces and fresh new talent. Its programme roster spans original UK drama, premium factual, true crime, science, news & current affairs and kids’ content, which continue to attract critical acclaim.   Recent wins include ‘Channel of the Year’ at the 2025 Edinburgh TV Awards, BAFTA Television and RTS Awards for the documentary White Nanny, Black Child in 2024, along with a BAFTA nomination for Endurance Race to the Pole. Factual hit The Yorkshire Vet and the broadcaster’s series on air fryers also won RTS Yorkshire awards, while Michael Palin received the Radio Times Special Judges Award for his Channel 5 documentaries.   

About Brinkworth Productions: 

Brinkworth is a multi award winning independent producer making shows for major UK and international broadcasters and platforms. Recent shows include Surgeons: A Matter of Life and Death (C5), Suspect No 1 (C5), The Real Unforgotten (ITV), Thames Water – Inside The Crisis (BBC) and Accused: Guilty or Innocent? For A&E US.