The Trial examines the issue of state power and stars Ben Miles, Claire Skinner and Saoirse-Monica Jackson

Adorable Media is behind a one-off courtroom drama for 5 about parents being held legally responsible for their children’s crimes.

Set in the near future, The Trial (w/t) 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. They now face relentless interrogation as every aspect of their parenting, lifestyle, and past decisions are scrutinised. If found guilty, they could face life behind bars.

Claire Skinner and Ben Miles play the embattled parents and Saoirse-Monica Jackson their interrogator. Jaz Hutchins and India Fowler co-star.

The 1 x 60’ drama is produced by Adorable Media for 5 and was commissioned by Paul Testar, commissioning editor, drama at 5. The Trial is produced by Richelle Wilder and Isibéal Ballance – the latter has been the producer of the BBC’s annual A Ghost Story For Christmas for the past six years – for Adorable Media. The director is Michael Samuels and the writer Mark Burt.

Testar said: “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.”

Producer Wilder added: “This is our first time working with 5, whose extraordinary support allowed Adorable Media to produce a highly original, thought provoking and emotional drama.”