When Tina Fey first appeared as the sharp-witted podcast host Cinda Canning in Hulu’s hit series “Only Murders in the Building,” many viewers experienced a sense of familiarity. The character’s distinct delivery and professional success closely mirror one of the most influential figures in modern true-crime podcasting. The show’s creators have confirmed that Cinda Canning is a fictional character, but she draws direct inspiration from real-life podcasting pioneers.
Who Is Cinda Canning in the Show?
Cinda Canning is introduced as the queen of true crime podcasts. The show’s main trio—Charles, Oliver, and Mabel—bond over their shared fandom of her hit podcast, “All Is Not OK in Oklahoma.” Her work inspires them to start their own investigative show when a death occurs in their apartment building.
In the series, Cinda is portrayed as a highly successful and somewhat ruthless figure in the podcasting world. She makes a strong impression when she meets the trio, advising them to “embrace the chaos” in their investigation. Her character is known for a calm and measured podcast voice and a team of assistants who curiously resemble her in appearance. Her fictional achievements include selling her podcasting company for a staggering $30 million, showcasing her top-tier status in the industry.
The Real-Life Inspiration Behind the Character
The character of Cinda Canning is loosely based on Sarah Koenig, the creator and host of the groundbreaking real-life podcast “Serial.” John Hoffman, the co-creator of “Only Murders in the Building,” has confirmed this inspiration in interviews. He mentioned researching Koenig’s background to understand what drew her to podcasting.
“When we were coming up with the character of Cinda Canning, I was just looking at what drew Sarah to [podcasting], and her background included, obviously, This American Life and journalism,” Hoffman told Rolling Stone.
The similarities between the fictional Cinda and the real-life Sarah are numerous. Their last names, Canning and Koenig, sound remarkably alike. Both have a similar style, often seen with dark hair and glasses, and are known for their distinctive, even-toned narration that creates a compelling listening experience. Both of their podcasts focus on deep-dive investigations into murder cases, with “Serial’s” first season covering the 1999 killing of Hae Min Lee.
Success Stories: Fiction Mirrors Reality
The parallel between Cinda Canning and Sarah Koenig extends to their professional milestones. In the show, Cinda’s company is purchased for $30 million. This plot point mirrors a real-world event where The New York Times acquired the production team behind “Serial” for $25 million in 2020.
“Serial” is widely credited with transforming the podcasting landscape. Before its release in 2014, podcasts were a less mainstream form of media. The show’s success brought audio storytelling to millions of new listeners and set a new standard for investigative journalism in the format. It won a Peabody Award in 2014, a honor that Cinda Canning’s character also boasts about in “Only Murders in the Building.”
More Than Just One Inspiration
While Sarah Koenig is the primary real-world counterpart, Cinda’s character also reflects broader trends and other podcasts. The show’s creators have mentioned being fans of podcasts like “S-Town,” which similarly involves a host from New York investigating a case in a rural town. This is reminiscent of Cinda’s venture to Oklahoma for her hit show.
The character of Cinda Canning serves as a homage to the entire world of true-crime podcasting. She represents the immense popularity and competitive nature of the genre. The show uses her character to explore the ethics, drama, and cultural impact of turning real-life tragedies into entertainment for a massive audience.
Cinda Canning’s Evolving Role
Cinda’s role has expanded beyond the first season. Her character was later revealed to have unethical practices, including fabricating evidence for her podcasts with the help of her assistant, Poppy White, and a corrupt detective. This storyline highlights a darker side of the pursuit of content and fame.
In a shocking recent event, the Season 5 finale revealed Cinda Canning as the next murder victim. She collapses outside the Arconia gates after returning from the UK, where she was researching a new podcast called “The Girl With the Curls.” This sets the stage for the upcoming season, where Charles, Oliver, and Mabel will likely investigate her death.
The show’s tradition of killing off an existing character each season ensures that Cinda’s legacy will be central to the plot of Season 6, which is confirmed to be in the works and is expected to take the main characters to London to solve this new mystery.
Also Read: Creator Reveals Why Only Murders in the Building is Changing Location to London in Season 6
