The Trial

Full coverage of The Trial of Tim Heidecker in which Tim Heidecker stood accused of 20 counts of 2nd degree felony murder against The Electric Sun 20.

This deadpan mockumentary comedy follows a cast of confident, self-important characters whose grand ambitions repeatedly run into their own limitations. A small documentary crew follows them through everyday situations, and the camera captures every awkward pause, misplaced boast, and unearned moment of pride. The tone stays flat and earnest, so the humor comes from what characters fail to notice about themselves rather than from punchlines. Talking-head interviews let the subjects narrate their own failures with complete sincerity, which makes the gap between their self-image and reality widen episode by episode. The show's satire targets vanity, status anxiety, and the modern appetite for public recognition, while its handheld visual style and naturalistic performances make the cringe feel uncomfortably real. Viewers who enjoy comedy that rewards close attention and tolerates discomfort will find a series that is quietly sharp, rarely sentimental, and built for rewatching. Its short episodes and steady escalation make it easy to watch in long stretches, and its mix of sincerity and absurdity gives it a distinctive, lingering aftertaste.

Critics broadly admire its bold, absurdist deadpan humor, though many find its cringe-inducing style uneven and abrasive.

• Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!Shared deadpan mockumentary format and absurdist comedic tone
• The OfficeShared fake-documentary structure with earnest talking-head interviews undercutting the subject
• Documentary Now!Shared awkward, cringe-driven satire of self-important figures and their unearned confidence

Release Date

2017-11-15

Episode runtime

49 min

Rating

9.0 / 10

What is The Trial about?

A deadpan mockumentary that follows self-important people whose ambitions keep colliding with their own incompetence.

What is The Trial like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Trial as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as simple.

Is The Trial violent?

Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in The Trial as mild.

What did critics think of The Trial?

Critics broadly admire its bold, absurdist deadpan humor, though many find its cringe-inducing style uneven and abrasive.

Which shows are like The Trial?

Shows with a similar feel include Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!, The Office, and Documentary Now!.

How long is The Trial?

The Trial: 1 season, 6 episodes.

Is The Trial still running?

No, The Trial has ended.