Harlan Coben, the acclaimed author known for his gripping mystery novels, has ventured into the realm of true crime with his new CBS series, Harlan Coben’s Final Twist, set to premiere on January 7, 2024. Coben delves into real-life cases, exploring the motivations behind criminal actions while maintaining his signature narrative style.
In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, Coben discussed the inspiration he draws from true crime cases. While he acknowledges that headlines can ignite ideas, he emphasizes that he prefers to create original stories rather than strictly adhere to real events. Coben stated, “I will see a case, I’ll look at the headline and that’ll maybe spark something. But I never want to dig into it. I’d rather make up the story based off a headline or based off something else.”
Coben distinguishes his approach from traditional true crime storytelling, which aims to faithfully represent actual events. He explained, “True crime is being devoted to the fidelity of the actual story.” In contrast, his aim with Final Twist was to craft a compelling narrative filled with twists and turns within a limited timeframe. Each episode presents a unique mystery, revealing the hidden lives of seemingly ordinary individuals.
The series positions Coben not just as a writer but as an investigator. He actively engages with the cases, uncovering hidden motives and buried secrets. The official synopsis describes the show as an exploration of shocking revelations, where appearances can be deceiving and the truth often proves stranger than fiction.
Coben, who has sold over 100 million books and has seen numerous adaptations of his work, expressed his excitement about transitioning into the unscripted genre. “I’m more intrigued than I’ve ever been [about true crime after this],” he remarked. “It is a fascinating world, and they say truth is stranger than fiction. Boy, do these stories prove it.”
Reflecting on the narratives he encountered during the production process, Coben noted the stark differences between the rules of fiction and the unpredictability of reality. He remarked, “Fiction has to follow certain rules. Reality doesn’t. That’s really interesting and I don’t think I quite appreciated exactly how much that goes on.”
In addition to exploring true crime, Coben also took on the role of host for the series. He described the experience as a departure from his usual behind-the-scenes work, quipping about the transition from writer to on-screen personality. “It was really strange. I am used to being behind the camera… I wouldn’t even budge. I’m like, ‘Oh, wait. This time we’re talking about me.’”
As for future on-screen endeavors, Coben remains focused on his writing. He stated, “I still prefer writing. I still prefer creating things. But I thought this was an interesting experiment and quite fun in its own way.”
‘Final Twist’ Aims to Captivate Audiences
Harlan Coben’s Final Twist aims to captivate audiences with its unique blend of investigative storytelling and psychological exploration. The series airs on Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET on CBS, inviting viewers to join Coben on his journey through the complexities of human nature and the dark corners of society. As Coben continues to push boundaries in storytelling, his fans eagerly await the surprises that lie ahead in this new venture.
