"Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat" and Age of the Prestige Prank Show
Briefly

"Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat" and Age of the Prestige Prank Show
"'Jury Duty' stitches together two moribund TV genres—the mockumentary sitcom and the prank show—to construct something new, if still lumbering."
"Cameras followed a handful of actors serving as jurors in a fake trial alongside one unwitting civilian, Ronald Gladden, who believed he was part of a documentary."
"'Jury Duty' strives to reassure the audience by portraying its production as a fair trade, presenting its main character in a favorable light."
"'Life-affirming joy' was praised as a primary source of appeal, exceeding even the novel premise of the show."
'Jury Duty' is a quasi-scripted comedy that gained popularity by blending mockumentary and prank show elements. It follows Ronald Gladden, an unwitting participant in a fake trial, surrounded by actors. The show aims to present its main character positively, minimizing distress and ensuring humor is not at his expense. Gladden received compensation and a deal with Amazon, contributing to the show's feel-good appeal. This unique approach has set a new standard for immersive television experiences, moving beyond traditional prank formats.
Read at The New Yorker
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