The hit Prime Video series "Jury Duty" is returning for a second season, moving its unique hidden-camera comedy premise from the courtroom to a corporate setting. Titled "Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat," the upcoming season promises fresh comedic scenarios as an unsuspecting individual navigates a fully fabricated professional environment, surrounded by a cast of actors.
Season two of "Jury Duty" is set to launch on March 20 with its initial three episodes, shifting its focus from a mock jury trial to a staged company retreat. This time, the central figure is Anthony, an ordinary individual who believes he has been hired as a temporary employee for a hot sauce company. He anticipates a relaxing retreat with his new colleagues, unaware that every aspect of his experience is meticulously planned and performed by actors. The narrative will explore the dynamic between big corporate aspirations and small business values as the founder prepares to step down, leaving the company's future in question.
The first season captivated audiences by featuring Ronald Gladden, a real-life San Diego solar contractor, who believed he was serving on a legitimate jury. Gladden remained oblivious throughout the 17-day fake trial, during which actor James Marsden portrayed an exaggerated version of himself, surrounded by a cast of unknown performers. The show earned critical acclaim, receiving four Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Comedy Series. Marsden himself was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, and he has maintained a genuine friendship with Gladden since the show's conclusion, sharing in the excitement of its success.
The success of the first season was largely attributed to Gladden's good-natured reactions to the bizarre events unfolding around him. The teaser for "Company Retreat" hints at similar chaotic humor, with Anthony expressing disbelief at the situations he's encountering. The upcoming season will debut with three episodes on March 20, followed by two episodes on March 27, and concluding with a three-episode finale on April 3.
The core concept of "Jury Duty" lies in its ability to create an immersive, fabricated reality for an unwitting participant, exploring their reactions to a series of absurd and humorous events. The transition from a courtroom to a company retreat offers a new landscape for these comedic situations, allowing for different types of social interactions and workplace-related humor. The show's creators aim to replicate the genuine charm and unexpected twists that made the first season a standout, focusing on the human element amidst the manufactured chaos.
