Serial

Serial

Year: 1980

Runtime: 90 mins

Language: English

Director: Bill Persky

ComedyRomance

“Honor thy wife, and everyone else’s.” A man resists the California fads that his wife, friends and wealthy Marin County neighbors embrace.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Serial yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Serial (1980)

Trace every key event in Serial (1980) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Harvey's mid-life crisis and marital tension

In the late 1970s Marin County, Harvey is uptight and increasingly impatient with his life. He is also experiencing a mid-life crisis that unsettles his sense of purpose. His relationship with Kate appears strained, foreshadowing deeper conflicts to come.

late-1970s Marin County, California
2

Kate embraces the sexual revolution

Kate and her friends are swept up in the sexual revolution and new age consciousness. Their carefree attitude clashes with Harvey's rigidity, widening the gulf between them. The home becomes a battleground of old values versus new freedoms.

late-1970s Marin County, California
3

Sam's troubles and a talk about the crisis

Sam, Harvey's best friend, is also dealing with marital trouble. The two men discuss Harvey's mid-life crisis and the role of sex in keeping relationships intact. The conversation underscores the shared strain running through their social circle.

late-1970s Harvey's home, Marin County
4

Joanie's wild party triggers separation

Joanie hosts a wild party while her parents are away at a friend's wedding. Harvey and Kate each explore new sexual liaisons amid the chaos. The party acts as a catalyst for the couple to separate.

party night Joanie's party location, Marin County
5

Harvey is drawn to new affairs while Stella looms

Harvey tries to avoid the advances of his newly hired secretary, Stella, who lures him toward an orgy. He nonetheless begins seeing Marlene, a free-spirited vegetarian supermarket cashier. This marks his shift toward new romantic entanglements after the separation.

post-separation Marin County
6

Kate finds companionship with Paco

Kate links up with Paco, a bisexual Argentinian aspiring artist who currently trims her dog's hair. The relationship illustrates their parallel pursuit of independence from their estranged marriage. Both seek new connections outside their former life.

post-separation Marin County
7

Joanie joins a flower-peddling cult

Joanie is lured by self-styled 'concerned' members into a flower-peddling cult. She goes willingly at first, finding a sense of peace and belonging there. The experience foreshadows the deeper grip the cult will have on her life.

shortly after separation City where the cult operates
8

Joanie's confinement in the cult's big-city house

What begins as spiritual solace turns into control, as Joanie is effectively imprisoned in the cult's house in the big city. The situation grows increasingly troubling as her autonomy erodes. The family remains unaware of how far she has fallen under the cult's influence.

some weeks after joining Cult's house in the big city
9

Harvey and Kate reconcile for Joanie's sake

Despite their differences, Harvey and Kate reconcile to support Joanie and bring her back from the cult's influence. They put aside personal grievances to focus on their daughter's welfare. The renewed union is earned through a shared, if uneasy, commitment to family.

before rescue Marin County
10

Luckman's revelation and the blackmail

Luckman drops a bombshell that reveals something significant about the situation, using it as leverage. The revelation becomes a catalyst that unites unlikely allies against a common threat. The air of blackmail adds pressure to take decisive action.

pre-rescue Luckman's office
11

A gay motorcycle gang helps rescue Joanie

A gay motorcycle gang joins forces with Harvey to rescue Joanie from the cult's clutches. Their intervention brings decisive momentum to reclaiming Joanie and dismantling the cult's hold. The rescue marks a turning point in the family's struggle.

during the rescue City/cult location
12

Reunion and a new job in Denver

The Holroyds are reunited and brace for Harvey's new job in Denver. The family faces a fresh chapter together, indicating a tentative return to normalcy amid ongoing personal shifts. The ending sets up a future of potential stability alongside continued change.

aftermath Denver, Colorado

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:59

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Serial Summary

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Serial Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Serial

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Serial

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