HBO has announced the premiere date for the fifth installment of its documentary series, The Case Against Adnan Syed. Titled Part Five: The Tree Grew, this new episode will air on September 18, 2023, at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and will be available for streaming on HBO Max. This marks a significant return for the series, which first gained attention in 2019 and has since seen numerous developments in the case.
Since the initial release of the series, the world has undergone considerable changes, including the global pandemic and shifts in political leadership in the United States. Yet, the core focus remains on the complex case of Adnan Syed, who was convicted in the 1999 murder of high school student Hae Min Lee. Syed’s story gained national prominence through the acclaimed Serial podcast, which raised questions about the validity of his conviction.
The upcoming episode is directed and written by Amy J. Berg, who has been working on this segment since 2021. While the episode was originally slated for release in 2023, various factors delayed its premiere. HBO describes this installment as a pivotal chapter that delves into new developments surrounding Syed’s legal battles.
The synopsis reveals that the episode chronicles a breakthrough in the investigation, following the arrest of a suspect linked to the original case. This prompted Syed’s legal team to push for a renewed investigation, leading to tensions with the state attorney’s office. As described by HBO, the situation evolved into a “legal and political tug of war” that added layers of uncertainty to Syed’s case.
New evidence will be presented in this episode, highlighting significant flaws in the initial investigation and prosecution. Notably, the episode will address previously undisclosed evidence pointing to alternative suspects, suppressed witness testimonies, and untested DNA from the crime scene.
The narrative also captures Syed’s emotional reunion with family after spending 23 years in prison. For this installment, Syed, along with his mother, brother, and family friend Rabia Chaudry, will appear on screen, marking a shift from his earlier appearances in audio format only.
Legal experts featured in the episode include attorneys Marilyn Mosby, Erica J. Suter, Susan Simpson, and Becky Feldman, who offer additional insights into the complexities of the case.
Produced by HBO Documentary Films in association with Sky, this episode is a collaborative effort involving Instinct, Working Title Television (part of Universal International Studios), and Disarming Films. The executive production team comprises notable figures, including Berg, Chaudry, Henrietta Conrad, Jemima Khan, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller, and Tina Nguyen.
As audiences anticipate the release of Part Five: The Tree Grew, the documentary series continues to shed light on the intricacies of Adnan Syed’s case and its broader implications for the American justice system.