But is it also possible that falls most addictive drama isnt a TV show at all?
There are star-crossed lovers from different immigrant backgrounds.
Theres a good cop/bad cop duo.
Credit: Serial
There are cliff-hanger endings that hinge on Adnans apparent guilt or innocence.
Even Adnan views this story as if its happening to someone on television.
We caught up withSerialco-creator and executive producer Julie Snyder after finishing episode 8, The Deal With Jay.
For you, what makesSeriallike a prestige cable drama?
Julie Snyder:In terms of a story, theres a strong narrative.
And you care about what happens to them.
Thats actually what youre striving for in nonfiction journalism, too, right?
You dont want caricatures.
And thats kind of how you feel when you get into really great TV shows.
Have you been approached about the movie or TV rights?
Would you consider selling?
Serialis under the umbrella ofThis American Life, and that property has agents.
There have been people whove reached out to the agents forThis American Life, but were not pursuing anything.
I have no time and no interest.
How far into the future are you reporting before the episode airs?
Obviously, its a 15-year-old case.
Adnan has a life sentence.
So the only thing new happening is [Serialco-creator and host] Sarah [Koenig]s investigation.
For the most part, were going in the order of how the reporting was done.
So for the most part were following that same structure.
Some stuff we would find out later and fill in the details.
Why havent you interviewed Haes boyfriend, Don?
We dont pursue Don more because Don doesnt want to talk, and Dons alibi is solid.
He was at work the whole time.
There have been a few references to two trials.
So there was a mistrial?
Will we hear more about that?
We will talk about that in a few episodes.
But I can say, the mistrial is not an explosive reveal.
Does that make you cast doubt on Adnan?
Chris never was even questioned by the police.
He never testified at trial.
This was never under oath.
Its a second-hand story that he heard, and hes telling us 15 years later.
Just:I know this, and now you know this.
Sarah seems heartbroken when Adnan says that she hardly knows him.
Though shes trying to be objective, do you think shes actually rooting for his innocence?
Heartbroken is a really strong term for how she felt when he said that.
I dont think she was heartbroken.
I think she was shocked.
Thats what he was reminding her of, and rightly so.
I dont think her response had anything to do with personal feelings.
Youve learned that evidence was thrown out by law enforcement.
Will you check into that?
The detectives didnt want to talk.
We check back in with them later.
Has thesubreddit communityaffected your investigation at all?
The Reddit stuff is overwhelming.
I certainly have not read everything on Reddit.
I saw an incrediblecollection of mapsthat people put together that were really impressive and helpful and time-consuming.
But I have not found any information on Reddit that has added to our investigation.
What will next season be about?
We dont know yet.
Serial is really just a name of the formits not a show about serial killers.
There have been times when its opened up a whole new alley of new questions.
So I really dont know what we dont know.
But I definitely know that we dont know everything.
Do you believe Adnan?
You said on the air that you believed Jay.
I am the worst person to ask, because I believe everybody.
Im by far the most naive person on the show.
So Ive just decided to stop doing that.
For more onSerial, pick up the latest issue ofEntertainment Weeklyon stands this Friday.
