Channel 4 orders Wonderhood docuseries on Michael Jackson ‘trial of the century’

The Trial of Michael Jackson follows the star’s criminal prosecution in 2005

UK pubcaster Channel 4 has commissioned documentary series The Trial of Michael Jackson (working title), which recounts the late pop superstar’s 2005 criminal trial.

Produced by London-based factual prodco Wonderhood Studios, the 4×60’ series will feature contributors who have never spoken about the trial before as well as archive footage.

More than 2,000 journalists from around the world travelled to Santa Maria, California, for what was dubbed the ‘trial of the century,’ when Jackson faced charges of molesting Gavin Arvizo. He was eventually found not guilty on all 14 counts.

The series was ordered by Anna Miralis, senior commissioning editor at Channel 4, and Alisa Pomeroy, the pubcaster’s head of documentaries and factual entertainment.

Miralis said: “Made by a multi-award-winning production company, this remarkable series is destined to be compelling, insightful and truly remarkable.

“Many will remember the tumultuous media frenzy and the lasting effect it had on Jackson. The astonishing archive and accounts given by those featured will no doubt offer up a unique insight into this momentous trial and Jackson himself.”