Prime Video’s 2-Part Sitcom Keeps Getting Better on Streaming

Most comedies tend to stick to the same tried-and-true formulas. Whether it’s a multi-cam sitcom (like CBS’s Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage) or a darker 30-minute comedy (like HBO’s Rooster), it can be extremely difficult to come up with an entirely fresh concept for a series that will actually shake up things for the viewer. However, in 2023, Prime Video released a show that quickly became a word-of-mouth sensation — and now, the streamer has dropped a reimagining for Season 2 that is every bit as funny.

What Is ‘Jury Duty’ About?

The first season of Jury Duty centers around a fake trial involving a real juror named Ronald Gladden, who ends up in a courtroom where lots of kooky and hilarious situations unfold. The twist is that everyone surrounding Ronald is an actor, from the judge to his fellow jurors, and Ronald has no idea that he’s taking part in a long-term Candid Camera-type prank. Despite the comedy set-ups becoming increasingly unhinged the longer the trial goes on, Ronald never catches on. Even the appearance of James Marsden (playing himself) as a fellow juror doesn’t tip Ronald off that he’s an unreal environment.

Ronald, set up as the hero of the show, comes across as a courageous yet quiet man who pursues justice in a 12 Angry Men-style scenario. It’s not until the end that all is revealed to Ronald, and then the viewer is treated to an incredible behind-the-scenes look at how the entire gag was accomplished. The series is both incredibly funny and super touching, especially as Ronald’s kind personality shines through.

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‘Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat’ Review: Prime Video’s Hoax Sitcom Has Plenty of Staying Power After a Major Rewrite

If ‘Jury Duty’ was the proof of concept, ‘Company Retreat’ is strong evidence that this format still has legs.

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‘Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat’ Offers Even More Side-Splitting Laughs

The first season of Jury Duty was a smash hit, but many assumed that there would be no way to recreate the exact circumstances needed to pull off such a massive trick again. Somehow, the show has figured it out, with a second season called Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat, which has just been released on Prime Video. With a brand-new setting and impressive actors, the series manages to become even more hilarious in its second outing. Season 2’s hero, Anthony Norman, has been hired as a temp assistant at a family-owned hot sauce company called Rockin’ Grandma’s. He thinks he’s accompanying the group of employees on their annual company retreat, but, once again, every person around Anthony is an actor.

You might assume that trying to repeat the massive success of the first season of Jury Duty would be a mistake, but Season 2 is successful because the show once again finds the perfect hero. Anthony jumps into his role with zero hesitation, is incredibly warm and friendly to his co-workers, and by the end of the retreat, has become like family to them. In some ways, Anthony fits into the group even more seamlessly than Ronald did.

Much of this has to do with Ronald treating his jury duty responsibilities much more seriously, whereas. Anthony is thrust into situations where he can immediately show off his gregarious personality, and this allows him to bond with everyone fairly quickly, helping Season 2 to feel even more light-hearted and upbeat than Season 1 did. Without spoiling the ending, Anthony is also every bit the hero by the end of the season, swooping in to save the day in a way that will warm your heart. That’s not to say that Company Retreat is all schmaltz — there are still plenty of off-color jokes, pratfalls, and odd humor that will have you laughing the whole time.

Both seasons of Jury Duty deserve a binge-watch. Every actor is a master at improvisation, and the cast as a whole, along with Ronald and Anthony, respectively, work together to create storylines that you’ll have to remind yourself aren’t actually real. We’re still not sure how the creative team could come up with an equally brilliant third season, but so far, Prime Video’s best and most unlikely sitcom has already struck gold twice over.