In news that seems inevitable if delayed, “Serial” is getting a TV follow-up. HBO and Sky have partnered to continue the true crime story with “The Case Against Adnan Syed,” a four-part documentary series that will be helmed by Oscar nominee Amy Berg.
According to its official synopsis, the project “will offer a cinematic look at the life and 1999 murder of Hae Min Lee and conviction of Adnan Syed, from the genesis of their high school relationship, to the original police investigation and trial, through to the current day, when Syed faces a new trial after serving 18 years in jail.”
The series boasts “exclusive access” to Syed and his lawyers. Berg “has been closely following their efforts to obtain justice, with the outcome still to be determined — and possibly shaped by the investigation pursued within the series itself.”
“We’re excited to partner with our friends at HBO to bring this fascinating and gripping case to television screens worldwide,” commented Zai Bennett, Director of Programming, Sky Entertainment UK & Ireland. “We’ll be offering viewers a compelling window into one of the most talked about murder cases in recent years. The hugely talented Amy Berg has unprecedented access to those closest to the investigation, which is sure to make unmissable viewing.”
Berg received an Oscar nod in 2007 for “Deliver Us From Evil.” The feature investigates how the Catholic church tried to cover up the crimes of a predatory priest. Her other credits include “West of Memphis,” “An Open Secret,” and “Janis: Little Girl Blue.”
When we asked Berg her advice for other female filmmakers, she said, “Go for it! Do it your way and don’t stop. You are unstoppable if you believe it.”
No word on when to expect “The Case Against Adnan Syed,” but Berg has been working on the project since 2015.
