Trial & Error

NBC’s Trial & Error arrived as a sharp, absurdist parody of the true-crime documentary boom. Set in the fictional town of East Peck, the series followed 'Northeastern' lawyer Josh Segal as he defended eccentric locals. The first season benefited from John Lithgow’s brilliant performance as Larry Henderson, while the second season pivoted to the campy energy of Kristin Chenoweth. The show’s strength lay in its relentless joke density and a commitment to bizarre world-building, from 'murder boards' to local superstitions. Though it only ran for two seasons, it remains a gold standard for the mockumentary format. Its cancellation left a void in network comedy, but its reputation as a clever, fast-paced gem has grown among enthusiasts of high-concept humor and legal satire.