Trial & Error (2017)
A sharp mockumentary comedy series skewering true-crime culture, one absurd small-town murder trial at a time.
Trial & Error - Series Information
- Original Title: Trial & Error
- First Air Year: 2017
- Last Air Year: 2018
- Created by: Matthew Miller, Jeff Astrof
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (22 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 23
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: March 14, 2017 (United States - TV-PG), March 14, 2017 (Germany - 12), March 14, 2017 (France - 12), March 14, 2017 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: NBC
- Production Companies: Warner Bros. Television, Bar-Gene Productions, Good Session
- Production Countries: United States of America, United Kingdom
Trial & Error - Plot
A bright-eyed New York lawyer takes his first big case defending an eccentric poetry professor accused of murdering his wife.
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Trial & Error - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Matthew Miller
- Jeff Astrof
Main Cast
- Nicholas D'Agosto
- Steven Boyer
- Sherri Shepherd
- Jayma Mays
- John Lithgow
- Krysta Rodriguez
- Kristin Chenoweth
- Amanda Payton
- Angel Parker
- Joel McCrary
Writers
- Jeff Astrof
- Matthew Zinman
- Craig Gerard
- Michael Levin
- Patrick Kang
Trial & Error - FAQs
Is Trial & Error based on a true story?
The show is a parody of true-crime documentaries rather than a retelling of any single real case. It draws comedic inspiration from high-profile murder trials and the documentary format popularized by series like Making a Murderer, spoofing the genre's familiar tropes with an absurdist small-town twist.
Why was Trial & Error cancelled after two seasons?
NBC cancelled Trial & Error in 2018 after two seasons due to low ratings. Despite warm critical reception and a devoted fan base, the show struggled to find a large enough audience on network television to justify renewal, a fate common to niche comedies on broadcast networks.
Who are the main actors in Trial & Error?
Season 1 stars Nicholas D'Agosto, John Lithgow, Jayma Mays, Sherri Shepherd, and Steven Boyer. Season 2 introduces Kristin Chenoweth and Krysta Rodriguez in leading roles, with Amanda Payton, Angel Parker, and Joel McCrary rounding out the ensemble cast.
How does Season 2 of Trial & Error differ from Season 1?
Season 2, subtitled Lady, Killer, swaps out the defendant and shifts the tone slightly. Kristin Chenoweth takes center stage as the flamboyant Lavinia Peck-Foster, accused of murder in a new case. The mockumentary format and small-town absurdity remain, but the new cast dynamic brings fresh comedic energy.
Where can you watch Trial & Error online?
Trial & Error is available to purchase or rent digitally through Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. There is currently no subscription streaming option, so buying individual episodes or full seasons is the most straightforward way to watch.
What is the content rating for Trial & Error?
Trial & Error carries a TV-PG rating in the United States, making it suitable for most general audiences. The rating reflects the show's light comedic tone — the murder-trial premise is played entirely for laughs, with no graphic violence or mature content.
How many seasons and episodes does Trial & Error have?
Trial & Error ran for two seasons and 23 episodes in total. Season 1 consists of 13 episodes following the Larry Henderson case, while Season 2, subtitled Lady, Killer, wraps up the series with 10 episodes centered on the Lavinia Peck-Foster trial.
What are some shows similar to Trial & Error?
Fans of Trial & Error tend to enjoy Jury Duty, American Vandal, Murderville, The Afterparty, and Documentary Now! — all of which share the mockumentary format or satirical crime-comedy sensibility. The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window is another fun genre parody worth checking out.
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