“Serial” is an investigative journalism podcast hosted by Sarah Koenig, where she narrates a non-fiction story throughout the course of many episodes. The podcast, created in October of 2014, has captured the ears of more than 250 million listeners.
In the first episode, Sarah Koenig starts by doing an experiment regarding alibis. She asks people she knows if they can remember what they did on an exact date from a while back. It becomes clear that most people cannot remember unless there was a special event that left an impression on them. This “pre-story” prefaces the case and has relevance because she is trying to solve a mystery from 15 years ago. It makes you wonder what you would do in this situation.
In this podcast, each season is only one story, made up of many episodes. The podcast is scripted and we follow along the chase to discover the truth. We learn that 18 year old, Hae Minn Lee was murdered in Baltimore, Maryland. She went missing January 13, 1999, and her strangled body was later discovered buried under some dirt and leaves in Leakin Park, Baltimore. Her ex-boyfriend 17-year-old, Adnan Syed was accused and sentenced to life in prison for her murder. The only witness, Adnan’s friend Jay, testified against Adnan and admitted he helped him bury her body. To this day Adnan claims he had no part in the murder of his ex-girlfriend. As you listen you realize there are many missing links to the story--there are many holes, lies, and questions. It really causes you to question if Adnan belongs locked up in a cell. And if not, Who does? Many believe he deserves his sentencing, others not so much.
We listen as Koenig feeds us detail after detail, and we ride along on the journey of uncovering the truth. You don’t know the ending until you get there. The nearly 8 and a half-hour podcast makes us evaluate and contemplate each possible outcome. “Who really did it?” The podcast is structured in such a way that it makes you feel like an investigator yourself. It allows you to make accusations on your own, all while each event is analyzed for your benefit. The main question Sarah poses is, “Was he wrongfully convicted?”, and she uncovers just that. While listening to this podcast, I often felt like I was in a whole different world. Whether I was at school, in the car, or just sitting at home, I could not stop listening. “Serial” had my full attention. Koenig’s soothing voice draws you in and causes you to give your undivided attention to the program.
The speaker uses accurate facts as well as interviews and phone calls to add more evidence and detail. The thematic content really aids in the way it makes you feel, and it makes you question things in ways you’ve never had before. This podcast is written in such an enticing way that leaves you yearning for more at all times; pressing pause is never wanted, it puts you in a whole new realm of interest. While listening to this podcast I often have to remind myself that these are real people, a young girl was actually murdered and someone really is serving time in prison and potentially for a crime they didn’t even commit. Riding along a real-life mystery forces you to grasp the idea that horrific events such as this one become a reality to some. Unlike cases you see on television shows, this one is extremely messy; there are no clear answers and no definite evidence saying who did it. Amidst all of the chaos, Koenig does not advocate for one particular side. Instead you see her defend each possible outcome.
Some people believe that the series was dragged on and was a waste of time. One listener, Diana Moskovitz, declared: “What do I know after listening to every episode of Serial? Nothing. I know absolutely nothing, except that it wasted my time, and I really hate it when that happens”. However, I disagree completely. Serial does an excellent job of telling the story while enticing the listener. Sarah Koenig’s clear and crisp voice delivers and makes you feel curious and compelled to listen. Each episode resonates with the listener. Even after I have stopped listening, it still fills my mind with thoughts and questions. This podcast challenges your preconceived notions about the case, and captures your attention. I recommend it to all; it is most definitely worth the listen.
Serial Image source: https://serialpodcast.org
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