“A terrifying legal experiment”: Channel 4's The Jury: Murder Trial is back with a "heartbreaking" new case

Some have called it a terrifying legal experiment - and well, we can't exactly blame them because Channel 4's BAFTA-winning series, The Jury: Murder Trial, is certainly "different". The entertainment show follows a jury of real people who watch a restaged court case - with actors - and decide whether or not they agree with the verdict of the original trial. Now, the series is officially returning and it's bringing with it a heartbreaking new case.

The brand-new series will focus on the trial of Sophie, a mother who stands accused of murdering her boyfriend Ryan, after she stabbed him to death with a kitchen knife. She claims she was acting in self-defence, but is she telling the truth? And will the new jury of 12 ordinary people believe her?

With The Jury: Murder Trial set to arrive on our screens next week, here’s everything you need to know about the series, including how it works, who's in it and the series 2 release date.

What is The Jury: Murder Trial about?

If you’ve not watched the first series yet, which aired in four parts in February this year, here’s a spoiler-free version of how it went. A murder trial - one that really took place in the UK - was recreated by actors from transcripts of the genuine court hearings. Two juries - each made up of 12 ordinary people from all walks of life - sat through the trial before deliberating (with the cameras rolling) and reaching a verdict.

In the first series, the juries were presented with a case involving a husband who killed his wife, but denied it was murder. After hearing from the defence and prosecution’s cross examination, they went into the deliberation room to thrash out a verdict - but was it the same as the other jury? The second series is set to follow a similar formula - and it’s in 4 parts again - but this time there’s just one jury rather than two.

What case did The Jury: Murder Trial series 1 follow?

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The hit Channel 4 reality series followed the trial of a metalwork sculptor accused of murdering his wife with an industrial hammer. The juries were tasked with deciding whether the defendant was guilty of manslaughter or murder.

What will happen in The Jury: Murder Trial series 2?

As we mentioned, the second series features one jury rather than two - and it's a brand-new jury. There’s also a heartbreaking new case: young mother, Sophie, claims she’s not guilty of murder after she stabbed her boyfriend Ryan to death with a kitchen knife. The Channel 4 synopsis reads: “She says it was self-defence – but is she telling the truth? Watching the trial in Liverpool Crown Court, are 12 ordinary people from the local area. As the prosecution lay out their case, the jurors immediately start to draw different conclusions from the evidence. Some suspect the defendant was a victim of domestic abuse. Others aren’t so sure.”

According to Channel 4, throughout the case, the jury frequently clashes over the case. “Tempers flare in the jury room, as jurors increasingly disagree with each other. An argument leads to tears, and rival groups begin to accuse the others of failing to assess the evidence properly,” the synopsis says. And when it comes to deliberation, “arguments break out, and the foreperson is forced to plead for calm.”

Who are the jurors in The Jury: Murder Trial series 2?

The 12 jurors - all real people who live locally to Liverpool Crown Court - includes 36-year-old Marissa, a stay-at-home mum, NHS manager Zoran, 49, trade union rep Tommy, 65, and shop assistant Stacey, 42. There’s also cricket coach Dan, 42, civil servant Rebecca, 26, retired chef David, 69, support worker Aimee, 26, teacher James, 26, business consultant Jo, 54, project manager Dan, 33, and 21-year-old student Kate.

Is there a trailer for The Jury: Murder Trial series 2?

Yes, you can watch the trailer for The Jury: Murder Trial series 2 below.

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Is The Jury: Murder Trial any good?

Yes - the first series won a BAFTA and was Channel 4’s biggest new 9pm unscripted launch since 2019. It’s both important and timely TV, raising questions about the justice system and who gets to decide on criminal punishment.

How can I watch The Jury: Murder Trial series 2?

Good news - you can watch it next week! Channel 4 will broadcast The Jury: Murder Trial on Tuesday 26th August at 9pm, and you’ll be able to stream the four-part series via Channel 4. In the meantime, you can catch up on The Jury: Murder Trial series 2 here.