Television enthusiasts are hooked on a gripping BBC crime anthology series that has captivated audiences with its unique courtroom drama format. With only two seasons currently available to stream, fans are left begging for more episodes of this constantly evolving narrative.
What Makes This Series Stand Out
The 2010 crime anthology programme presents standalone episodes throughout, introducing fresh storylines and characters that deliver something different each time. This distinctive narrative approach distinguishes it from other British crime dramas and has secured its position as a viewer favourite.
Every episode opens in a courtroom without revealing the accused's offence, and as events unravel through flashbacks, the full picture gradually emerges. Disturbing moral questions arise, poor choices are exposed, and devastating situations are revealed which have brought them to face trial while awaiting their fate.
Star-Studded Cast
Audiences meet new faces continuously, many of whom are prominent figures in British television and cinema, including Sean Bean and Anne-Marie Duff. Particularly noteworthy, its episodes have showcased the acclaimed Olivia Colman and Stephen Graham, with Colman securing a BAFTA TV award for Best Supporting Actress.
Peter Capaldi also stars in the show, adding to its impressive ensemble.
Viewer Reactions
An admirer of the programme posted on IMDB: "Each of these individual one-hour stories are captivating from start to finish. Jimmy McGovern excels in tight scripts which gripped me with their realism and pace. The series is further enhanced by fine English acting."
Meanwhile, another viewer said they "wish there were more seasons", noting: "This series is not light, it's heavy, there is pretty much no comic relief... The acting is excellent, the story lines are often gut-wrenching, reflecting on the real trials of being human, making bad mistakes and the like. It sounds like a downer, and it might be for some."
The narrative structure typically presents viewers with an ordinary, everyday individual who becomes embroiled in an extraordinary, high-pressure situation. It's this approach that keeps audiences "gripped" to their screens, though the absence of recurring characters can make it challenging to build a loyal following.
One viewer described Accused as featuring "gut-wrenching stories beautifully acted". Another shared: "Can't recommend this series highly enough. Each episode bar one is a separate story and every one is outstanding and brilliantly acted and scripted. Stellar cast under brilliant direction- you can't go wrong. Trust me."
Behind the Series
The programme was developed by Jimmy McGovern for the BBC, who is best known for creating the drama series Cracker in the mid-1990s. The 2010 series builds upon McGovern's earlier anthology dramas, including The Street and Moving On, also both anthologies.
Describing the concept behind the programme, McGovern explained: "In the time it takes to climb the steps to the court we tell the story of how the accused came to be here. We see the crime and we see the punishment. Nothing else. No police procedure, thanks very much, no coppers striding along corridors with coats flapping. Just crime and punishment – the two things that matter most in any crime drama."
Where to Watch
Both seasons of the much-talked-about TV series Accused are available to stream on ITV as well as Netflix.
