Defendants present their side of criminal cases
About Accused: Guilty or Innocent?
Unlike most other true crime shows, Accused: Guilty or Innocent? takes the defense perspective.
It follows the stories of those accused of serious crimes (including murder, but also child abuse, assault, attempted murder, and other offenses), demonstrating how the defense prepares for the trial as the attorneys and defendant go through the evidence, talk to witnesses, and reenact the crime.
Besides presenting the story from the defense point of view, this true crime show illustrates how criminal cases are complex and how their defendants are not always as obviously guilty as detailed on other shows.
It will tug at your heartstrings as it shows defendants as ordinary people facing the worst moments of their lives. Episodes follow them with their lawyers, at home, with their families, and going about their daily lives. But you won’t hear from the victim or their loved ones, and this leaves a gap in truly understanding the case.
Not all shows have trials; sometimes the prosecutors offer a plea deal or drop the charges, demonstrating the behind-the-scenes elements of criminal prosecution. Recommended.
The Show Elements
Seasons: 4 (2020-)
Where to stream: Hulu, The Roku Channel, Discovery+
More shows like Accused: Guilty or Innocent?: Taking the Stand, Trial File, American Justice
See also this list of true crime shows
✓ Police interviews
✓ Trial clips
✘ Narration
✘ Re-creations
✘ Experts
✘ Victims’ families and friends
True Crime Docket 