Serial Obsession

serialMy obsession with Serial started on a road trip. John and I blasted through 9 episodes (that’s right, 9!) while driving through eastern Colorado and into picturesque Kansas. It was the perfect setting.

Honestly, I was apprehensive about Serial. Even though I’d had it recommended to me by very trustworthy people, I’m just not that great with audio. I have a hard time paying attention to and following the story lines of things like audio books.

But I was transfixed, completely hooked on Serial, within the first five minutes of Episode 1!

I’m not the only one. Serial is a phenomenon. A viral hit with millions of listeners tuning in.

I can’t help but wonder why this podcast is so addictive. For me, it comes down to 3 things:

An intriguing story. Serial digs into a real murder investigation from 1999 where a boy (now a man after 15 years in prison) was convicted of murdering his ex-girlfriend. There’s not much actual evidence in the case, which means it almost solely comes down to witness testimony. This is especially intriguing, and impossibly frustrating, since everyone involved seems to be lying or remembering something different. Then there are the other shady suspects (Jay’s gotta be involved, yo), weird details that just don’t add up (that Nisha call, anyone?), and the fact that so much went wrong with the investigation. All in all, it makes my inner sleuth sit up and take note.

radioThrowback to a different era. In a world where movies are constantly one upping each other with special effects and fancy 3D animation, there’s something refreshing about listening to a really gripping podcast. It’s simple, innocent and unassuming, a throwback to the 1950’s when families used to gather around their radio to listen to their favorite programs. And this is a damn fine radio program–well produced and expertly edited.

 Sarah Koenig is a great host. Not only is she a fantastic host, but she’s super likable. The things she questions and wonders about strike a chord with me. She makes Serial feel like more than investigative journalism. It’s also a thoughtful commentary on memories, psychology, and the judicial system. Plus, she’s got guts. I would never, NEVER, release chapters of a story without knowing how it will end, and that’s exactly what she did. More power to her for making a statement and giving her opinion on the case in the finale. Needless to say, I’ll definitely be listening to more of Sarah Koenig’s podcasts in the future.

Have you listened to Serial? Why do you think it’s so popular? What about it intrigues you?

In case you missed it, here’s SNL’s hilarious (and spot on) Christmas themed spoof of Serial:

What I’m reading: Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas (a seriously brilliant YA fantasy series!)

What I’m listening to: Carol of the Bells — American Boychoir

2 comments