The latest in a long line of courtroom reality shows aimed at people who spent way too much time watching television has the added benefit of also embracing the fast-approaching world of recreational marijuana. The High Court is Comedy Central’s attempt at going where The People’s Court and Judge Judy never could, with a pot smoking comedian judge and a rotating door of guest bailiffs who never say no to bong hits. It is exactly what you think it is, just as long as you think it is a good time.
Doug Benson is the honorable Judge Doug, a marijuana connoisseur looking to solve simple domestic disputes with kindness and a complete lack of authority. Each of the initial 20 episodes lasts under eleven-minutes and features just one case. Judge Doug hears the complaint, as well as the rebuttal, before heading to his chambers with the bailiff of the week for a brief deliberation filled with with weed. Once complete, Doug gives his verdict and the show comes to a close, just like any other courtroom show.
As Cheech and Chong have aged the world has looked more and more to Benson as a figurehead for stoner culture. From his Doug Loves Movies podcast, to his Getting Doug With High webseries, multiple documentary films (often parodying concepts from filmmaker Morgan Spurlock), and endless guest appearances on @Midnight it seems pot follows Benson wherever he goes. What impresses us, and becomes increasingly clear with each new project, is how his growing presence in pop culture reflects a type of stoner culture that differs from the past. Benson smokes more than anyone you know and he arguably manages to accomplish more as well. Weed does not hold him back, it empowers him, and his continued success reflects the public’s increasing acceptance of marijuana usage.
Perhaps Benson summarized The High Court best when he told Deadline, “Got a f*cked up legal problem? Who better to solve it than someone who is super f*cked up?” This show is the perfect mix of reality television nonsense and stoner hijinks, offering just enough giggles to make sure you have a good high without rejecting or ignoring those who choose to not partake. Sober or not, there is something for everyone here to enjoy that, if nothing else, offers a brief moment of hilarious escapism from the terror of the world around us.
The High Court airs at 12 midnight ET after @Midnight.
