‘Serial’ Case to Get Reopened in HBO Documentary

The case against Adnan Syed, made famous by the podcast “Serial,” will get another re-examination in a four-hour documentary series on HBO, the network announced Wednesday.

“The Case Against Adnan Syed” will investigate the 1999 disappearance and killing of Hae Min Lee, 18, in Baltimore County and the eventual conviction of her boyfriend, Syed, of multiple crimes, including first-degree murder and kidnapping. Amy Berg, whose documentary “Deliver Us From Evil,” in 2006, investigated sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, will direct.

“Serial,” hosted by Sarah Koenig, became a sensation in 2014 as it explored the case over 12 episodes. According to Apple, “Serial” was the fastest podcast in the history of its iTunes store to receive 5 million downloads. It received a Peabody Award in 2015.

Syed was sentenced to life in prison in 2000 but was granted a retrial in 2016 by the Baltimore City Circuit Court, a decision that was upheld by the Maryland Court of Special Appeals in March. He has maintained his innocence through the process.

Produced by Working Title TV and Instinct Productions, “The Case Against Adnan Syed” will both re-examine the police investigation and address Syed’s present-day situation.

The series will air on Sky Atlantic in Europe and HBO in the United States. Nick Cave is set to provide original music.