Break-out podcast Serial, first broadcast in 2014, is getting its own TV show. The podcast told the story of Adnan Syed who was imprisoned for the murder of his ex-girlfriend Hae Min Lee in 1999.
Downloaded more than 130 million times since its launch, the podcast raised questions about Syed’s trial lawyer. Host Sarah Koenig regularly talks to Syed on the phone in prison and interviews others who knew Syed in high school, as well as his family and lawyers.
According to the Irish Examiner, the TV series based on the podcast is titled ‘Adnan Syed: Innocent or Guilty?’ and will be screened on Investigation Discovery UK later this month (June 15).
Since the podcast finished, Syed has been granted an appeal based on the grounds that he was provided ineffective counsel during his original trial. According to reports, the programme will give insight into the potential for an alibi given by classmate Asia McClain to be submitted for evidence.
Speaking to The Mirror, Clare Laycock, Head of Investigation Discovery UK, said: “On Investigation Discovery we have real-crime all the time and following our special on the controversial Steven Avery case as featured in the hit Netflix series Making a Murderer earlier this year, we are excited to share the latest in this unfolding saga with viewers.
“The serialised podcast in 2014 has more than 130 million downloads to date, and made everyone a detective. With a judge expecting to make a decision at any time, we want to give our viewers not only the crucial information surrounding Adnan Syed’s case, but also the personal, first-hand accounts of what to expect from key players.”