The BEST episodes of The Case Against Adnan Syed season 1
Every episode of The Case Against Adnan Syed season 1, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of The Case Against Adnan Syed season 1!
Directed by Academy Award-nominee Amy Berg, four-part documentary series The Case Against Adnan Syed explores the 1999 disappearance and murder of 18-year-old Baltimore County high school student Hae Min Lee, and the subsequent conviction of her ex-boyfriend, Adnan Syed — a case brought to global attention by the hugely popular Serial podcast.
#1 - Justice is Arbitrary
Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 3/24/2019
With Syed’s 2016 post-conviction hearing for appeal drawing to a close, figures in the case reflect on issues raised by the original trial, including misleading cellphone records and new cell tower data, questionable interviews, and gaps in information related to Jay Wilds’ involvement. The polarized culture in which the trial took place reveals a Korean community uniting to demand a conviction from a city they felt had systematically overlooked them, and a Pakistani-Muslim community that felt Adnan’s religion and ethnicity were on trial. Memories of events are questioned and the impact of the podcast Serial on those involved in the story is explored. Attorney Susan Simpson, along with others, is enlisted to further probe lingering questions around the State’s case against Syed.
#2 - In Between the Truth
Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 3/17/2019
As Syed’s appeal for a new trial gets underway, supporters look back at the 1999 confession of his friend, Jay Wilds, who claimed he helped Syed bury Lee’s body. With questions remaining regarding the police's timeline of events, acquaintance Asia McClain becomes a key figure in providing a possible alibi for him. While private investigators consult experts in hopes of re-creating circumstances surrounding evidence in the case, the veracity of Wilds’ testimony is called into question years later.
#3 - Time is the Killer
Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 3/31/2019
Despite being granted a new trial, Adnan Syed and his attorneys contend with the State's repeated appeals, while a competitive primary race for Baltimore City State's Attorney has the potential to affect the case's future. Private investigators grapple with outstanding questions as they re-analyze the forensic evidence surrounding Hae Min Lee's death and Syed faces a major decision as his 20th year in prison approaches. On March 8, 2019, the Court of Appeals issues a new ruling to reverse both lower court decisions and deny him a new trial.
#4 - Forbidden Love
Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 3/10/2019
Family and friends of Adnan Syed, who is currently serving a life sentence for the murder of his ex-girlfriend 18-year-old Hae Min Lee, recall their blossoming high-school romance, their emotional breakup, Lee's mysterious disappearance, the discovery of her body, and the events that led to Syed’s arrest. After the podcast phenomenon Serial resurrects the cold case for millions, Syed’s family prepares for his appeal in February 2016, and hope for a chance to discover the truth after nearly 20 years.