A gripping true crime documentary series is set to return to Channel 5 after nine years, highlighting a string of devastating British cases.

The Accused: Guilty or Innocent? originally aired in 2017 and covered eye-opening US-based stories.

The programme ran for seven series comprising more than 60 episodes, although its reboot will be a bit different.

From Brinkworth Productions, the new episodes will focus on UK cases, spotlighting people in the most terrifying moment of their lives.

The Accused features subjects with no prior criminal record as they fight against a serious accusation amid the justice system’s full force.

The Accused is currently in production and will be filmed across an 18-month period as it follows select cases through the courts.

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A groundbreaking true crime documentary series is coming back to Channel 5 after being off screens for nine years

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Guy Davies, Consultant Editor for Commissioning, 5, said: ‘The Accused films were groundbreaking hits and critical wins for us.

‘It’s a title strongly associated with 5 in the UK and we’re delighted it’s coming back bigger than ever.’

Malcolm Brinkworth, CEO Brinkworth Productions, added: ‘Brinkworth made two pioneering 90’ Specials of The Accused in the UK for 5.

‘Hugely acclaimed, the series went on to become a major success in the United States and throughout the world.

‘A&E Networks commissioned multiple series, with the show becoming the No 1 true crime show on US Cable network.

‘Now we’re excited to bring the series back to its original home on 5 with this multipart commission.’

The series features unprecedented access to both the accused and legal defence team.

It showcases the inside story – spanning charge to verdict – of when someone is accused of a serious crime.

Elsewhere, Netflix left viewers ‘bawling’ with a new ‘heartbreaking’ instalment of a true crime documentary that fans have dubbed among the streamer’s best ever.

Homicide, which came from the creator of Law & Order, Dick Wolf, first hit screens back in March 2024 first drawing focus on New York and then, in a second series, Los Angeles.

Now, the show has finally been updated with a third season, this time once again focusing on New York, and looking into notorious murder cases in the city.

The series follows chilling murders that have rocked the American city from the perspective of the police detectives investigating the case and the loved ones of the victims.

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The Accused features subjects with no prior criminal record as they fight against a serious accusation amid the justice system’s full force

Each series draws focus on the complex investigations linked to the high profile killings, with episodes diving into new cases and how they were solved.

The Netflix synopsis teases: ‘In this investigative true crime documentary series, homicide detectives recount their most challenging cases and how they solved them.’

The first episode of the new series draws focus on Joey Comunale, who did not make it home after a weekend of enjoying the city with friends.

Joey, who was 26 at the time of his disappearance, was reported missing by his father in 2016 before his worst nightmares began to unravel.

When New York detectives visited his apartment, it was soon apparent foul play had taken place and led them down a twisting murder case.

Another episode in the series draws focus on the harrowing events of 9/11, with a NYPD first responder opening up on the weight of the tragedy.

Fans of the series have flooded social media to praise the true crime show, with one writing on X, formerly Twitter: ‘Homicide: New York on Netflix is so good.’

Another agreed: ‘Was watching Homicide New York s2, great series. Most affecting is the last episode on 9/11,’ as a third penned: ‘As fascinating and addictive as the first two seasons.’

While a fourth wrote: ‘Just finished the latest 5 eps and one of my fav true crime shows. Just well put together.

‘Ep 5 had me bawling. Seeing how real and raw their emotions are to this day from the events on 9/11… Heartbreaking.’

‘Wait this episode may be too traumatic for me to continue to watch. I cant,’ a fifth reacted of the episode featuring the 9/11 first responder.

A sixth concluded: ‘I’m late to the game with Homicide New York, what a captivating season! Every episode left me in shock.

‘The story telling, the details and the personal accounts from the families, survivors and detectives was amazing!’