Popular courtroom drama with A-list star returning for second series – but it’s not all good news for fans

THE second series of a popular show is coming to ITV – although there’s a downside for eager fans.

Series one of drama The Twelve has been streamed over 26 million times since launching on ITVX last year.

ITV

ITV

ITV

The programme stars Hollywood legend Sam Neill, 76, as a barrister named Brett Colby.

He is perhaps best known as Dr Alan Grant in Jurassic Park, a role he reprised in two later films in the franchise.

Sam also played Major Chester Campbell in the first two series of BBC period crime drama Peaky Blinders.

Meanwhile, Aussie drama The Twelve launched in its native country back in June 2022, with renewal of a second outing confirmed in June 2023.

Unfortunately, die-hard UK viewers will have a bit of a wait as the second series doesn’t premiere as an eight-episode boxset on ITVX until later this year.

Sam Neill reprises his role as Brett Colby, who is representing a new client in a  complex murder trial which is seen through the eyes of 12  ordinary jurors. 

Following local landowner and respected town matriarch, Bernice Price (Kris McQuade), being found dead at the bottom of her farm’s pump well, two ex-lovers stand accused of her murder. 

As a result, twelve ordinary citizens from all walks of life have been selected to decide the fate of those accused – but what were the circumstances of Bernice’s death?

Also starring in series two are Frances O’Connor, Tasma Walton, Kris McQuade, Amy Mathews, Fayssal Bazzi and Josh McKenzie.

The line-up also features Anthony Brandon Wong, Stefanie Caccamo, Sharon Johal, Luke Pegler and Adriano Cappelletta.

Joining them are Nelson Baker, Greg McNeill, Suesha Rana, Brad Francis and Isabelle Bäsén.

Sasha Breslau, ITV’s Head of Content Acquisitions, said: “We are thrilled to be premiering the second series of The Twelve exclusively on ITVX. 

“As one of our most highly streamed dramas we know there are millions of viewers who can’t wait for court to resume!’

The Twelve is based on 2019 Belgian miniseries De twaalf created by Sanne Nuyens and Bert Van Dael.

Crime dramas on ITVX

Crime drama buffs have a wide selection of choices on ITVX - here is a selection of some of the programmes available to binge.

• Professor T: Based on a Belgian TV series of the same name, former Death in Paradise lead Ben Miller plays the title character. Professor Jasper Tempest is a criminologist with OCD who helps the police solve crimes. The cast also includes Emma Naomi, Barney White and Andy Gathergood.
• The Beast Must Die: This series follows a mother’s grief for her son, who was killed in an accident. Nicholas Blake’s novel of the same name has been adapted for the programme. Stars include Cush Jumbo, Jared Harris, Billy Howle and Geraldine James.
• Red Eye: Starring Richard Armitage, Jing Lusi and Lesley Sharp star in this six-part thriller, which mostly takes place  during an all-night flight between London and Beijing. With dead bodies piling up and a mystery to unravel, the heroes must work fast to get to the truth.
• The Twelve: This Australian drama originally aired as a miniseries in 2022, with the episodes dropping in the UK in February 2023. Four months later, the show was renewed for a second season. Jurassic Park star Sam Neill stars in the leading role of barrister Brett Colby.
• Manhunt: Martin Clunes stars in this drama based on true murder investigations. Series one focused on the death of Amélie Delagrange, which took place in 2004, while the second depicted the search for serial rapist Delroy Grant.

In series one, the drama centred on the character of Kate Lawson (Kate Mulvany).

She is on trial for the alleged murder of her niece, while the show also explores how the twelve selected people can bring their own prejudices and experiences to the courtroom.

Marta Dusseldorp, Brendan Cowell, Brooke Satchwell and Hazem Shammas also starred.

Series one of The Twelve is available to watch on ITVX.

ITV