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WhatToWatch
WhatToWatch
Entertainment
Claire Crick

Showtrial season 2: next epsiode, recaps, trailer, plot, cast and everything we know

Adeel Akhtar as Sam Malik, an anxious defense solicitor in Showtrial season 2.

Showtrial season 2 is now on BBC One after a three-year wait with a fresh cast and a new case. 

In the first season, we focused on the mysterious disappearance of Hannah Ellis and an arrogant entrepreneur's daughter named Talitha Campbell finds herself as the prime suspect.

This time, it's an entirely new hotly contested criminal trial, with this season's case involving the death of high-profile climate activist named Marcus Calderwood, and the people who are trying to uncover the truth.

Speaking about the new season, Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama said: "We're so excited to once again join forces with Ben Richards and World Productions to bring a new unmissable Showtrial to BBC One and iPlayer. 

"With Adeel, Nathalie, and Michael leading the cast, and a brand new central mystery to be played out in front of the nation, Showtrial will have viewers hooked from the start."

Here's everything we know about Showtrial season 2...

Showtrial season 2 release date

Showtrial season 2 is now available on BBC iPlayer and started on BBC One on Sunday, October 6. The five-part series will continue to air on Sunday nights at 9pm and the next episode is Sunday, October 13. 

If you want to refresh your memory on Showtrial season 1, all episodes are available on iPlayer.

Michael Socha and Adeel Akhtar in Showtrial season 2. (Image credit: BBC)

Showtrial season 2 plot

In Showtrial season 2, we see the high-profile climate activist Marcus Calderwood left for dead in a violent hit-and-run. But in his dying moments, he reveals his killer is a serving policeman. 

It's up to a charismatic and cocky officer, an anxious defense solicitor, and a rigorous CPS lawyer to uncover the truth and reveal whether or not Marcus' death was an accident or a planned attack. 

From the victim's last breath to the jury’s final verdict, Showtrial introduces us to the charismatic and cocky police officer Justin Mitchell (Michael Socha); Sam Malik (Adeel Akhtar) an anxious defense solicitor with a reputation for winning lost causes; and Leila Hassoun-Kenny (Nathalie Armin) a driven CPS lawyer leading the case against the accused.

As public outrage reaches fever-pitch, the series asks what happens when a trial is dominated by cultural divisions and if the truth is ever clear cut. Is a fair trial even possible when tensions are riding so high?

Showtrial season 2 cast

Adeel Akhtar (Fool Me Once, Sherwood), Nathalie Armin (Unforgotten), and Michael Socha (This Is England) star in the three leading roles this season.

Adeel plays defense solicitor Sam Gill.

Adeel Akhtar in Showtrial season 2. (Image credit: BBC)

Michael plays officer Justin Mitchell.

Michael Socha in Showtrial season 2. (Image credit: BBC)

And Nathalie is a rigorous CPS lawyer who is leading the case against the accused.

Nathalie Armin in Showtrial season 2. (Image credit: BBC)

The new series also stars Joe Dempsie (Pieces of Her, Game of Thrones), Fisayo Akinade (Heartstopper, Dangerous Liaisons), Tom Padley (The Lost Pirate Kingdom, Silent Witness), Kerrie Hayes (Blue Jean, Tin Star) and Barney Fishwick (Living, The Buccaneers). BAFTA-winner Francesca Annis (Fresh & Blood, Home Fires) is seen for the first time as Dame Harriet Kenny.

Francesca Annis as Dame Harriet Kenny. (Image credit: BBC)

Also joining the star-studded line up are Nina Toussaint-White (Bodyguard), Zoe Telford (Men Only), Ali Khan (A Haunting in Venice), Daniel Kendrick (Inside Man), Frankie Wilson (Against the Ice), Anna Próchniak (The Tattooist of Auschwitz), Anna Wilson Jones (Victoria), John Light (Around the World in 80 Days), Aidan McArdle (Spy/Master), Daisy Badger (The Sandman), Flora Montgomery (The Crown), Pearce Quigley (Detectorists), John Marquez (Doc Martin) and Anna Healy (Mother’s Day).

Tom Padley and Joe Dempsie in Showtrial season 2. (Image credit: BBC)
Kerrie Hayes in Showtrial season 2. (Image credit: BBC)
Barney Fishwick in Showtrial season 2. (Image credit: BBC)
Fisayo Akinade in Showtrial season 2. (Image credit: BBC)

Is there a trailer for Showtrial season 2?

Yes, the new trailer sees the drama unfolding as people try to work out if Marcus' death was an accident or a planned attack. But as secrets and lies are uncovered, it soon becomes clear that not everyone is telling the truth... 

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