Follow the drama of jury deliberations in The Jury: Death on the Staircase. A must-watch SBS original series reaching its thrilling finale.
The gripping SBS original series, The Jury: Death on the Staircase, is nearing its conclusion, with just two episodes remaining to determine the verdict in its re-enacted manslaughter trial. This Australian-first adaptation of a format made popular by the UK’s Channel 4 has drawn significant attention, offering viewers a rare glimpse into the deliberations of a jury as they navigate complex evidence and heated debates.
Airing Wednesdays at 8.30pm on SBS and SBS On Demand, the five-part series uses actors to recite real court transcripts word-for-word. At the heart of the show is a group of 12 everyday Australians, placed in the unfamiliar role of jurors, tasked with deciding the fate of the accused in a case brimming with ambiguity.
Mounting Pressure Among Jurors
As the trial progresses, tensions have reached a boiling point among the jury. Diverging perspectives on the evidence have led to passionate arguments, with doubts and suspicions looming large. The series has sparked broader conversations among viewers, with many questioning whether jurors should receive legal training or if juries remain the best method for deciding cases of such gravity.
Last week’s episode saw jurors visit the crime scene, a moment that escalated speculation. The following court session revealed testimony from medical experts who pointed to unusual injuries on the victim, Carlo, and the discovery of DNA belonging to an unidentified third party. These findings led the judge to instruct the jury to deliver a midpoint verdict, increasing the stakes for all involved.
The episode airing on Wednesday 27 November, promises further drama as the jury debates their findings. In a key moment, juror Craig declares his belief that the defendant, Shaun, is guilty of manslaughter, a stance that sends ripples through the group. Unable to reach a unanimous decision, the deliberations continue. Meanwhile, the defence presents its own forensic expert to challenge the prosecution’s case, creating fresh uncertainty. By the time the prosecution delivers its closing arguments, even the most sceptical jurors seem swayed towards a guilty verdict.
Behind Closed Doors
The Jury: Death on the Staircase offers an unprecedented look inside the jury room, a space typically off-limits to cameras and recording devices. The series explores how 12 strangers interpret evidence, assess witness credibility, and navigate the strategic manoeuvres of the defence and prosecution.
Produced by Northern Pictures for SBS, the series has benefited from major investment by Screen Australia and additional support from Screen NSW, including post-production and visual effects assistance. The format, originally created by ScreenDog Productions, is distributed by Blue Ant Studios.
To ensure accessibility, The Jury: Death on the Staircase has been subtitled in several languages, including Arabic, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese. The series airs Wednesdays at 8.30pm, with encore screenings on Saturdays at the same time.
As the final episodes approach, viewers are left to ponder the complexities of jury deliberations and the weight of deciding another person’s fate. Will justice prevail, or will doubts among jurors ultimately define the case? The outcome remains uncertain, but the series has undeniably opened a new chapter in Australian television storytelling.
Interesting but so s-l-o-w. There were actually 3 trials which makes for fascinating reading.