The High Court

The High Court is a unique reality courtroom series that first aired on Comedy Central in 2017. This television show combines elements of court TV programs with the spirit of comedy, parodying well-known court shows but with a twist of hilarity and absurdity. The series somewhat deconstructs the solemn and stern image of court proceedings, bringing a fresh air of leisure to the traditional court, while maintaining the serious undercurrent of delivering justice.

The host of The High Court is Doug Benson, a popular actor, comedian, and marijuana rights advocate. He adopts the role of the presiding judge and breathes new life into the character with his sharp wit and relaxed style. Unlike typical judges found in courtroom dramas, he’s non-traditional, irreverent, and very much influenced by cannabis, which Benson consumes regularly throughout each episode. His often stoned adjudication of small-claims cases puts a comedic cap on otherwise everyday disputes.

While this might sound too unconventional a format, it's important to note that Benson is always assisted by a guest bailiff, who is also a fellow comedian. Each episode features a different guest bailiff whose interaction with Benson brings a different dynamic and humor to each episode. The bailiffs are also there to fact-check the arguments presented in the case, adding a touch of seriousness to the otherwise comical proceedings.

The cases in The High Court are drawn from the files of actual small claims court disputes, offering a dash of reality to the show. These are not scripted dramas but real-life situations involving people struggling with issues ranging from property disputes to personal disagreements, thus creating the tension and authenticity needed for a good courtroom drama. Yet, the show takes these genuine stories to a whole new level by curating them through the lens of humor. Benson's funny commentary, unique interpretation of the law, and his comical reactions keeps the audience laughing while developing a keen interest in the final verdict of each case.

In The High Court, the regular formalities of a court procedure are given a playful spin to create a surreal on-screen court experience. The judge gets high on marijuana, the verdict is delivered in a comic tone, and the resolution to the conflicts happens in a chilled out atmosphere. Yet, the justice delivered is real and legally binding. It makes the proceedings whimsical but also grounded in an actual legal format.

The Defendants and Plaintiffs are actual people with genuine grievances, and they’ve agreed to accept the decision of this offbeat court as legally binding. Whether it's disputes over unpaid loans, property damage, or personal disagreements, each gives the show plenty of material for Benson and his rotating roster of hilarious bailiffs to work with. The High Court is at once ridiculous and serious, presenting genuinely interesting cases and dispensing real justice, albeit in a cloud of smoke and laughter.

While the laugh-out-loud humor and distinctive format of The High Court can captivate audiences with its comedic charm, the show doesn't shy away from discussing justice. Benson, through his cannabis-infused perspective, often sheds light on the issue at hand in unexpected ways, making viewers laugh but also engrossing them with real courtroom dilemmas.

In essence, The High Court takes a much more light-hearted approach to a usually solemn genre. By successfully blurring the lines between reality and satire, the show offers a genuinely compelling viewing experience, full of laughter and amusement. For those who love courtroom dramas but wish they had a little bit more humor, The High Court proves entertaining and unmissable. This series is humor-filled, insightful, and undeniably offbeat, making it a must-watch for those who love unconventional television programming.