Brinkworth Productions’ acclaimed docuseries The Accused has been recommissioned at 5, with 12 90-minute episodes planned over the next two years.
The format tells the stories of people accused of serious crimes, filmed from the defendant’s point of view. It originated with two specials for 5 before being adapted in the U.S. by Brinkworth for A&E, with 60-plus episodes over seven seasons. The American version streams in the U.K. on 5.
Guy Davies, consultant editor for commissioning at 5, said. “The Accused films were groundbreaking hits and critical wins for us. It’s a title strongly associated with 5 in the U.K., and we’re delighted it’s coming back bigger than ever.”
Malcolm Brinkworth, CEO of Brinkworth Productions, added: “Brinkworth made two pioneering 90-minute specials of The Accused in the U.K. 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, and the show became the number one true-crime show on the U.S. cable network. Now we’re excited to bring the series back to its original home on 5 with this multipart commission.”
