The slogan “12 jurors. 11 actors” succinctly captures the unique concept and premise of the new television series “Jury Duty.” Premiering April 7 2023, the show took the country by storm. It revolves around Ronald Gladden, a 29-year-old Southern California solar contractor, who is called to serve on a jury in what seems to be a routine civil case. A wealthy woman is suing one of her less fortunate employees, alleging harm to her T-shirt manufacturing firm. Ronald goes through each stage of the procedure, from waiting to enter the courtroom to being evaluated by the prosecution and defense, jury selection, sequestration, off-site evidence examination, and ultimately deciding the defendant’s guilt or innocence. Ronald assumes everything is true because he believes camera teams are filming the trial for a reality TV program without a name.
However, the reality is that everyone involved in the trial, including Ronald’s fellow jurors, attorneys and the judge, are paid actors whose sole objective is to deceive Ronald into thinking the case is legitimate. The successful deception creates suspense as Ronald possibly uncovers the truth, giving the series its distinct and quirky comedy. As the main character, Ronald is not an actor, and the show thrives on his lack of emotional response during the trial. He approaches strange circumstances with innocence, reinforcing the perception that he is an ordinary person unwittingly involved in the prank. His optimism clashes with the unique traits of the other jurors, each embracing their own quirks.
The supporting cast in “Jury Duty” contributes to the overall hilarity of the show, much like the beloved workplace comedy “The Office.” This similarity in tone can be attributed to the collaboration between the creators of both shows, Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky, who previously worked on “The Office.” Among the memorable characters are Barb, an elderly juror known for nodding off during the trial, Todd, an aspiring inventor with a penchant for unusual creations and Noah, a shy geek who becomes increasingly convinced that his girlfriend is being unfaithful. Additionally, James Marsden makes a notable appearance as a fictionalized version of himself, injecting comedy by playfully mocking his own acting career. Marsden’s successful track record includes leading roles in hit movies like “Enchanted” and “The Notebook.”
Despite employing trickery and occasionally incorporating vulgar humor, “Jury Duty” maintains a lighthearted and upbeat comedic tone. The show highlights Ronald’s compassion and patience in navigating the peculiar individuals and circumstances he encounters. Viewers can appreciate the intricate plot, which revolves around Ronald’s sincere reactions and the stellar performances delivered by the cast throughout the series. “Jury Duty” expertly blends elements of fantasy and reality, resulting in an engaging and amusing viewing experience. Adding to its appeal, the show is available to watch for free on Amazon’s Freevee service, with only brief commercial interruptions during episodes. Despite initially being overlooked by critics, “Jury Duty” has garnered a remarkable 98 percent audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, attracting a dedicated fanbase.
Ronald’s attainment of the position itself was an impressive accomplishment. He stumbled upon a Craigslist advertisement seeking participants for a documentary exploring the jury experience. Given his employment search at the time, the prospect of a few weeks of work with a decent wage, coupled with the added perk of appearing on television, appeared highly appealing. Unbeknownst to him, the show’s creators had published the ad and had planned not only to include him in the documentary but also to make him its central focus. The advertisement reportedly garnered over 2,500 applications, and Gladden emerged as the ultimate selection.
While the creators did not anticipate Ronald identifying any of the cast members as actors, except for James Marsden, the “Jury Duty” ensemble boasts an impressive acting pedigree. Many of them have also made appearances in renowned television programs. For example, Susan Berger, who portrays juror Barbara Goldstein, previously played the role of Real Butcher in four episodes of “American Horror Story.” Ross Kimball, known for his role as Sal Baker in “Chicago Med,” also took on another prominent character in four episodes of the series. Mekki Leeper, who portrays Noah’s character, significantly contributed to “The Sex Lives of College Girls.”
Taking the risk of casting performers from well-known programs was a daring move by the producers, considering the possibility of Gladden recognizing one of them. However, this concern proved unnecessary as Gladden remained oblivious, allowing the show to proceed smoothly. It took him “months and months” to finally grasp the truth—that everything he had experienced was a fabricated lie and his participation in the trial was illegitimate. Following his departure from the show, he even developed a sense of paranoia, believing that the group was still pursuing him covertly and taking photographs. Eventually, these emotions subsided, allowing him to return to his normal life.
Throughout the series, Gladden came perilously close to unraveling the elaborate prank on multiple occasions. When a security guard was dismissed for allowing photographers inside the courthouse, he initially grew suspicious, sensing that something was amiss. He shared his suspicion with Marsden, mentioning his feeling of being part of a reality TV program. Alarmed by this revelation, Marsden hurried back to the control room to alert the producers to dial back the tension as Gladden was becoming increasingly uneasy. Despite this, Gladden did not find it strange to be frequently seated next to Marsden and constantly under the watchful eye of a camera. He reasoned that it was logical for the documentary producers to capture extensive footage of the prominent juror. However, he did ponder Marsden’s initial decision to participate in a lesser-known cable TV documentary series. Over time, though, he grew to accept the authenticity of the situation.
Ultimately, the television program “Jury Duty” triumphed in maintaining its intricate deception, offering viewers an enjoyable and innovative viewing experience. The show’s success can be attributed to the exceptional performances of the cast, particularly Ronald Gladden, the unwitting participant and James Marsden, Susan Berger, Kirk Fox, Ross Kimball and Mekki Leeper. The show’s ability to blur the lines between truth and fiction and the friendships that emerged from the shared experience is bound to leave a lasting impression on viewers even after completing the season.
