Norwegian Legal Reality Series “Accused” Faces Harsh Criticism and Defense
NRK’s new foray into legal reality television, “Tiltalt” (“Accused”), has ignited a debate in Norway, drawing both scathing reviews and staunch defense from those involved. The program, which premiered earlier this week, places a panel of well-known personalities in the roles of co-jurors tasked with solving a fictional murder case.
The concept, developed by Christian Strand, blends reality television with the intricacies of the criminal justice system. The co-jurors – Gaute Berg Næss, Bjarne Brøndbo, Unni Lindell, Yousef Hadaoui, and Anine Olsen – are challenged to determine the perpetrator behind the murder of a character named “Ariana.” The series aims to offer a unique glimpse into the decision-making processes within the Norwegian legal framework.
However, the show has not been universally praised. Aftenposten’s Ingrid Åbergsjord delivered a particularly brutal assessment, labeling “Accused” the “worst TV program of the year.” She also sharply criticized the participation of lawyers John Christian Elden, Mette Yvonne Larsen, and Merethe Smith, suggesting their involvement compromises the integrity of the legal profession.
“The fact that they prioritize spending their time in an entertainment program says something about the fact that they are at least as desperate to build a brand as other celebrities,” Åbergsjord wrote. “But when lawyers themselves help to blur the distinction between litigation and entertainment, they shoot themselves in the foot. The next time they skin the media to treat criminal cases as a circus rather than a social mission, it will sound rather hollow.” She awarded the program a single dice roll – the lowest possible rating.
Åbergsjord also raised concerns about the graphic depiction of the autopsy report, noting the images were more detailed than typically seen on television and questioning the appropriateness of the 12-year age rating, particularly given the lack of a warning for sensitive viewers.
The criticism prompted a swift response from Elden, a prominent lawyer who also defends Eirik Jensen in a high-profile case. He dismissed Åbergsjord’s review as “nonsensical,” asserting that the program is intended as public information about the workings of the Norwegian legal system. “Therefore, the bar association decided that we should enter into the project,” Elden told Dagbladet. “It is also very useful for learning when it comes to what influences fellow judges and why.”
Merethe Smith, Secretary General of the Norwegian Bar Association and a co-juror on the show, echoed Elden’s sentiments. She emphasized the educational value of the series, stating, “I joined this TV series because, in my opinion, it helps to show how the Norwegian legal system works. And public information is important. Precisely because actors who have these roles in the real world are used, it bears a strong resemblance to a proper criminal case.” She added that the Bar Association believes increased knowledge of the judiciary fosters greater public trust.
Mette Yvonne Larsen, also a lawyer on the program, rejected the suggestion that she was motivated by a desire for publicity. “I am the leader of the bar association’s defense group – and am a social activist and lawyer,” she explained. “I have long since built a brand through hard work… So desperate is probably not quite descriptive.” She described her participation as an opportunity to offer commentary on the thought processes of judges.
NRK, the Norwegian public broadcaster, acknowledged the criticism regarding the autopsy report imagery. Editor-in-chief Randi Helland stated that the channel is considering adding additional warnings to the program on NRK TV, beyond the existing 12-year age limit and disclaimer that the case is fictitious.
Helland also indicated that NRK is confident viewers will form their own opinions. “’Accused’ takes us into the legal system and explores the mechanisms and psychology that work between people,” she said. “With ‘Tiltalt’, NRK wants to show how demanding it is to judge someone, even in a case that only imitates reality.” She expressed optimism that the series will find its audience, noting that many viewers have already tuned in to the first two episodes.
