Everything You Need To Know About New Netflix Drama, Adolescence

Netflix has just dropped its latest original series, Adolescence, created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham – and it’s got everyone talking.

This four-episode series takes a look at the life of 13-year-old Jamie Miller, played by Owen Cooper, who is accused of murdering a girl from his school. The story explores how quickly a normal family can be turned upside down by a single tragic event.

Adolescence is more than just a crime story. It tackles hard but important topics like male anger, cyberbullying, and the flaws in the UK school system. Each episode is a mix of genres, balancing both an ongoing police investigation as well as being a heartfelt tragedy. The new TV series explores these dark themes to highlight how dangerous a child’s bedroom can be in today’s world especially with unlimited access to the internet.

 

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Stephen Graham, who plays Jamie’s father, Eddie Miller, shares why they made this show. He says, “We could have made a drama about gangs and knife crime, or about a kid whose mother is an alcoholic. Instead, we wanted you to look at this family and think, ‘This could be happening to us!’” This idea captures the heart of the series—showing the real-life fears that many families face.

The inspiration for Adolescence came from Graham’s concern over the rise in youth violence. He recalls a shocking news story about a boy allegedly stabbing a girl. “What’s going on? How have we come to this?” he wondered. Through this series, he hopes to shine a light on these serious issues and explore what influences young people today.

Graham and Thorne also want to dig into the pressures boys face from their peers, social media, and the internet. “These pressures are just as tough for kids here as they are all over the world,” Graham notes.

What sets this series apart is its unique filming style. Each episode is shot in one continuous take, known as a “oner.” This method creates a sense of urgency and pulls viewers into the drama, making them feel like they’re part of the story.

Director Philip Barantini, who also worked on the acclaimed film Boiling Point, uses the same continuous shot technique for Adolescence. This choice makes the storytelling feel seamless. “It takes months of preparation and weeks of rehearsals,” Barantini explains, highlighting the hard work behind this ambitious project.

The cast features a mix of talented actors, including Ashley Walters as Detective Inspector Luke Bascombe, Erin Doherty as clinical psychologist Briony Ariston, and Faye Marsay in a supporting role. Newcomer Amélie Pease also joins the ensemble, along with experienced actors like Christine Tremarco and Mark Stanley.

 

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Adolescence isn’t just about crime; it also reflects the fears and struggles of today’s youth. Graham warns about the dangers of the internet and social media, saying, “We need to be aware of the influences that are shaping our young culture.”

The series premieres on Netflix on March 13, 2025, and it promises to engage viewers with its important themes and relatable characters. As you watch Jamie’s story unfold, you’ll be encouraged to think about the broader issues affecting young people today.

Adolescence is definitely a must-watch and will help educate those from subjecting the youth to hateful online content.

Words by Alyssa O’Sullivan