06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
The Trial release date and cast unveiled as chilling Channel 5 drama hailed 'chillingly plausible'
The Trial release date and cast unveiled as chilling Channel 5 drama hailed 'chillingly plausible'
Channel 5 will air a one-off drama which it describes as a "chillingly plausible" legal thriller, The Trial, which is set in the near future and stars Claire Skinner
The Trial will air on Channel 5
Channel 5 is gearing up to premiere The Trial, an upcoming hour-long drama billed as a "thought-provoking" and "chillingly plausible" special. Set in a not-too-distant future, the show introduces "Milligan's Law", where parents are held legally responsible for their offspring's crimes.
The unsettling narrative probes deep into themes of justice and parental responsibility while questioning the extent of governmental oversight. Viewers will witness the tense legal dilemma of Dione and David Sinclair, whose world turns upside down when their daughter Teah commits a serious crime.
The show's premise sets the scene in the UK's conceivable future, stating: "Set in the United Kingdom in the not too near future, The Trial 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."
Claire Skinner and Ben Miles lead as Dione and David Sinclair
(Image: (Image: CHANNEL 5) )
As the Sinclairs stand trial, they face piercing examination, with their parenting style, life choices, and previous actions under the spotlight. A guilty verdict could lead to life imprisonment.
Paul Testar, Channel 5's commissioning editor for drama, has expressed his enthusiasm for the project: "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."
Article continues below
When does The Trial start?
The Trial is set to air on Thursday, May 8 at 9pm on Channel 5 and will also be available for streaming on My5.
This drama is a one-off special with only one hour-long episode.
Set in Britain in 2035, the story revolves around teenager Teah who commits a serious crime, putting her parents Dione and David Sinclair in the middle of a distressing legal battle.
They find themselves in the grip of the Office of Judicial Inquisition, a potent new division of the Ministry of Justice, where they are prosecuted as accomplices to juvenile crimes.
Under the scrutiny of Judicial Inquisitor Sarah Willis, a relentless law enforcer, every aspect of their past is under examination.
Without any legal representation, Dione and David are left to fend for themselves.
Sarah Willis is played by Saoirse-Monica Jackson
(Image: (Image: CHANNEL 5) )
Who stars in The Trial?
Claire Skinner and Ben Miles take the lead roles as Dione and David Sinclair. Claire is recognised for her role as Sue Brockman in Outnumbered.
Ben has previously appeared in Coupling as Patrick Maitland, and he portrayed Montague Dartie in The Forsyte Saga.
Saoirse-Monica Jackson, known for her role as Erin Quinn in Derry Girls, plays the relentless and unyielding Sarah Willis.
Jaz Hutchins (Canary Black, The Return) takes on the role of Lieutenant Simons, while India Fowler (The Agency, Insomnia) portrays the troubled teenage daughter Teah Sinclair.
India Fowler plays troubled teenage daughter Teah
(Image: (Image: CHANNEL 5) )
Article continues below
The Trial airs on Channel 5 on May 8
