The HBO vs. Adnan Syed case from HBO is as addictive as the "series"

When Sarah Koenig Serial the podcast was released in 2014, it has become an instant sensation. As all those who have made one of the 175 million downloads, this movie tells the story of the murder of Hae Min Lee, a student of Baltimore High School, and the conviction of Adnan Syed, his ex-boyfriend, for the crime.

Adnan's trial went so bad that investigative journalist Koenig took a fresh look. What she discovered was extraordinary, and tens of millions of people completed the podcast, believing that Adnan Syed was innocent. (The case can then go to the US Supreme Court.)

When Oscar-nominated filmmaker Amy Berg turned the recent business developments into a documentary for HBO, we wondered if that could match the power of Serial. After the first part of four aired Sunday, March 10, it became clear that Berg's position could hold up.

In fact, with the visual element on the side, The Adnan Syed case can be even more addictive than Serial.

See Adnan and Hae Min Lee shine

While Serial has told his fascinating story with the help of additional material, telephone technology (and web) has come a long way since 2014. As you start to look The Adnan Syed case, you realize how much the podcast missed the visual aspects of the story.

Adnan himself alludes to a major update in the documentary. At one point, he says something like, "people who know Serial do not know Hae "as he did.

Berg's documentary changes that. We see Hae on pictures playing field hockey, dressed for the prom and having fun with friends. (She always shines with a big smile.) Meanwhile, filmmakers have found a way to bring her diary to life through visual tricks.

This adds an immeasurable amount to the power of history. The same goes for Adnan, whose family we know intimately in the documentary. (Rabia Chaudry, a lawyer who is a friend of the Syed family, kept Adnan's story alive and did a lot in the HBO document.)

While there are still clichés typical of investigators documentaries carrying boxes of records and evidence, one thing is clear: the story of Adnan and Hae needed this documentary. It's absolutely convincing.

'The Case Against Adnan' leaves viewers with a familiar feeling.

When Serial have become popular, fans have said they can not contain themselves until the next download. After the end of the first hour of Berg's four-part film, you get that familiar feeling.

Like with SerialIt seems impossible to believe that Adnan is guilty when you hear him talking about Hae and that you examine the chronology of the case. However, almost as easily, you begin to wonder how the murder could have happened if Adnan had not committed it.

If you want new revelations in the case, Berg's documentary also meets this goal. In the second episode, we will hear about Adnan's alibi, the girl who has never appeared before a court and who has almost shown the need for a new trial.

The bottom line: Serial Fans will not regret a second spent watching this new HBO series.

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