Serial switches up season 2 release schedule to add more material

Fans have been getting their weekly Serial fix since episodes of season 2 began coming out on December 10, exploring the case of Bowe Bergdahl. Mid-season, however, the team behind the hit podcast has made changes to the release schedule. Host and executive producer Sarah Koenig announced Wednesday on the Serial blog that new episodes will now come out every other week.

While the new schedule means more wait time for fans, “there’s a good and exciting reason” for the change, according to Koenig. Season 2 is getting more material, with at least one extra episode being added. “This story goes in so many directions, and as we’re reporting it we’re getting access to more of the key people close to Bergdahl’s case, and to more information than we initially thought we would,” said Koenig. “To do that — or at least to do it right — will take some time. Hence the change.”

Listeners won’t be completely bereft during the in-between weeks, though. As a consolation, Koenig promised that there will be new posts and graphics on the Serial website. Those who follow the podcast’s social media accounts will get updates when these are posted.

It’s unclear how the new schedule may impact the progression of the podcast beyond season 2. The third season is expected to premiere in the spring of 2016, but it seems possible now that it may need to be pushed back. Additionally, if the change affects audience size in a positive way, presumably, the producers would want to continue releasing episodes every other week. The implications remain to be seen, so in the meantime, we’ll just enjoy the current season.

The new schedule starts immediately, meaning that the next episode of Serial season 2 won’t come out until Thursday, January 21.