Elizabeth Banks to Star in 'Karen' Podcast Series on Prime Video

Actress Elizabeth Banks will star in an upcoming Prime Video drama series inspired by the true-crime podcast "Karen." The untitled series will focus on the case of Karen Read, a Boston police officer who was found dead in the snow during a blizzard.

Banks will portray Read in the eight-episode series, which examines the aftermath of her death and the claims by Read and her legal team that she is innocent and the victim of a conspiracy. The show also aims to explore society's fascination with true crime and the divisions such cases can create.

"This case divides families, friends, and entire towns," Banks said in a press release. "We have spent years with this material because the questions it raises go far beyond one courtroom: why we choose the stories we believe, and what happens when trust in our institutions breaks down."

Justin Noble will serve as showrunner, executive producer and writer for the series. Noble described Read's story as having more twists than fiction and stated the series intends to highlight the need for justice system change, the mistreatment of women and the victim's memory.