As soon as theThis American LifepodcastSerialbecame a zeitgeist-capturing phenomenon, folks began counting down the minutes before Hollywood came calling to turn this highly engrossing story into a narrative of some form. Well the time has finally come…and it’s kind of great news. PerTHR, immensely talented writers/directors/producersPhil LordandChris Millerhave optioned the rights to theSerialpodcast and will be developing a TV series adaptation with Fox 21 Television Studios. However, in a reassuring twist, theSerialTV series won’t follow theAdnan Syedcase that hostSarah Koenigchronicled in the podcast’s first season.
Plot details are being kept firmly under wraps, but THR notes that the plan is “to create a cable series based on the experience of making the hugely successful podcast.” Lord and Miller apparently flew out to New York to pitch their take on aSerialcable series to Koenig and the producers atThis American Life, who immediately sparked to their passion and unique idea. The team will soon begin pitching to networks once a writer or team of writers is in place.
As a huge fan ofSerial, this comes as excellent news—especially since the heartbreaking true story of Adnan Syed isn’t being mined for dramatic interpretation. Not only is it touchy subject matter given that Syed’s case is ongoing, but Koenig already told his storybrilliantlyon the podcast. How could one hope to top that kind of storytelling in narrative form?
While Lord and Miller are no doubt busy readying their next directorial effort, anuntitled Han SoloStar Warsfilmat Lucasfilm and Disney, it’s clear that the duo remain creatively curious—and that’s refreshing. Whereas some filmmakers seemingly forsake challenging or engaging storytelling once they hit the blockbuster realm, Lord and Miller—who are on the cusp of making the biggest movie of their careers—are flying to New York to pitch a TV series based onSerial. Though this kind of ambition is to be expected from the guys who turned a21 Jump Streetmovie, a sequel,andaLEGOmovie into gold.
Lord and Miller are no strangers to television either. They got their start by co-creating the short-lived but delightful animated comedyClone High, then worked as writers onHow I Met Your Motherfor a short while. They currently serve as executive producers on Fox’sThe Last Man on Earth, whose second season recently kicked off in glorious fashion.
The news of theSerialTV series comes on the heels of word that the second season of the podcastmay be focusing onBowe Bergdahl, the Army soldier who went missing while serving in Afghanistan and was subsequently captured and held prisoner by the Taliban. Koenig andThis American Lifearen’t confirming or denying just yet, but we do know that the team is simultaneously working ontwonew seasons ofSerial. Here’s hoping one (or both) are ready for release soon.
