Netflix’s latest British crime drama, Adolescence, takes a hard look at the challenges of growing up in a digital world—and it’s already making waves. Even before its release, the series received glowing five-star reviews.
The Guardian called it “the closest thing to TV perfection in decades,” while others hailed it as a “technical masterpiece,” a “harrowing, heartbreaking must-watch,” and a new standard for crime dramas. Universal acclaim is rare, but once the show premiered, audiences were just as captivated.
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In just four days, Adolescence amassed an astonishing 24.3 million views worldwide, topping the charts in over 71 countries. And it’s easy to see why. Created and written by actor Stephen Graham (who also stars) alongside Jack Thorne (Toxic Town), and directed by Philip Barantini (Boiling Point), this gripping four-part series unpacks the fallout after a 13-year-old boy is accused of murder. As his family, school, and psychologist struggle to process the unimaginable, the show delivers an intense, emotionally charged story—one of the best pieces of television this year.
A major factor in Adolescence‘s impact is its storytelling. Each episode is shot in a single, continuous take—a technique Barantini previously employed in Boiling Point (also starring Graham). With no cuts, the camera captures every raw moment in real time, immersing viewers in the unfolding drama. It feels as if we’re in the room, experiencing the shock, fear, and confusion alongside Jamie’s parents. This seamless approach amplifies the tension, making it impossible to look away.
The first episode is a masterclass in television. It opens with Jamie’s early morning arrest—a chaotic, violent scene that shatters his family’s world. We follow the police as they storm up the stairs, ride along in the van with Jamie, and navigate the police station as detectives and lawyers begin piecing together the case. His parents, Eddie and Manda, arrive at the station bewildered and terrified, suddenly thrust into a legal system they barely understand.
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The remaining episodes explore the far-reaching consequences of the crime. Episode two takes place three days later, as detectives search Jamie’s school for the weapon. The third episode jumps ahead seven months, centering on Jamie’s psychological state during a session with his therapist. The finale, set 13 months after the murder, follows the Millers as they attempt to rebuild their shattered lives. While not every episode lands with the same intensity as the first, together they form a haunting, deeply affecting narrative.
The performances are nothing short of extraordinary. Stephen Graham delivers a raw, heart-wrenching portrayal of a father grappling with the reality of his son’s actions. Erin Doherty, Ashley Walters, and Christine Tremarco also give standout performances, but it’s 15-year-old Owen Cooper, in his debut role as Jamie, who truly steals the show. With remarkable depth, he balances vulnerability and rage, capturing the complexities of his character with astonishing maturity.
What makes Adolescence so unsettling is its relatability. Jamie comes from a stable, loving family—there’s no history of abuse or trauma to explain his alleged crime. This improbability is precisely what makes the story so chilling. The show suggests that the greatest threats to our children may not be external dangers, but the influences lurking behind their screens.
At its core, Adolescence is a commentary on male rage and the unseen impact of the digital world on young minds. Eddie and Manda grew up listening to A-Ha; Jamie grew up online, exposed to figures like Andrew Tate. The series forces us to ask: How well do we really know our children? And how can we protect them from the forces we barely understand?
Adolescence is a triumph of television. With breathtaking performances, sharp and authentic writing, and a brilliantly executed one-shot format, it’s a show that leaves you with a knot in your stomach—not because it offers answers, but because it compels us to confront the hard questions about the world we’re raising our children in. It’s a wake-up call, a cry for help, and an absolute must-watch.