Netflix has, over the last decade, become a significant producer of original content, including a wealth of easily digestible miniseries. However, the streaming giant’s most impressive achievement to date may be the four-episode drama Adolescence, released in March 2025. It’s a series that sets a high bar for the platform, and one that will likely be discussed for some time to come.
Adolescence: A Crime Drama for the 21st Century
Adolescence is set in a small town in northern England. The series begins with a police raid on the home of the Miller family, resulting in the arrest of 13-year-old Jamie (Owen Cooper). Jamie is suspected of murdering his classmate, Katie (Emilia Holliday), but maintains his innocence. His father, Eddie (Stephen Graham), initially believes him…until he views CCTV footage clearly showing his son committing the act.
Crucially, the show isn’t focused on whether Jamie committed the crime – he did. Instead, it delves into the why. Over the course of four episodes, the series explores Jamie’s relationships with his schoolmates and uncovers the online conflict that escalated into murder. We learn that Jamie spent considerable time online, becoming radicalized by misogynistic influencers in darker corners of the internet. Finally, the series portrays the Millers’ attempt to navigate a new normal, knowing that life will never truly be the same.
The narrative avoids easy tropes. Jamie isn’t presented as a pint-sized psychopath. He’s a complex character, capable of violence, yet also possessing childlike interests – his bedroom is decorated with space-themed wallpaper, and he experiences a loss of bodily control during the police raid, revealing his fear. While his parents’ awareness of his online activities is lacking, their intentions are good, and they struggle to monitor their son’s life in a digital world they don’t fully understand.
This exploration of the generational divide regarding internet usage is a key element of what makes Adolescence feel so relevant. However, the show avoids being preachy or offering simplistic solutions. It frankly addresses the challenges many families face and resists assigning blame to any single individual or institution. It’s a series that stays with you long after the credits roll, both for its subject matter and its execution.
A Technical Marvel: Filmed in Continuous Takes
What truly sets Adolescence apart is its technical ambition. Each of the four episodes, lasting approximately an hour, is filmed in a single, continuous take. There are no hidden cuts or transitions; the entire episode unfolds as one unbroken shot. This demanded exceptional performance from the actors, who had to deliver flawless performances throughout, or risk restarting the entire take. Even the younger cast members, like Owen Cooper, rose to the challenge.
The making of Adolescence is almost as fascinating as the show itself. As demonstrated in behind-the-scenes footage, the production required meticulous coordination between camera operators, drone pilots, and performers. The single-take format creates a more immersive viewing experience. The show doesn’t move like typical television, prompting viewers to pay closer attention, anticipating the next complex maneuver the crew will pull off.
These technical achievements are impressive on their own, but when combined with the show’s compelling story, they create something truly unique: a series that has something important to say and finds innovative ways to deliver its message.
The Anti-Netflix Netflix Show
There’s been ongoing discussion about Netflix’s tendency to create content designed for passive consumption, catering to viewers who are simultaneously scrolling on their phones. Matt Damon recently highlighted this approach in relation to his new film, The Rip. However, Adolescence defies this trend. It demands the viewer’s full attention and is all the better for it.
Notably, Adolescence is currently the second most-watched English-language show on the platform, suggesting that audiences are receptive to challenging and different content. This success may encourage Netflix to embrace more ambitious projects.
Adolescence Season 2?
The creators of Adolescence, Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, have expressed interest in a second season, though its development is still in the early stages. They’ve indicated that a potential second season would likely explore a different story rather than continuing the narrative of the Millers, but details remain uncertain.
In the meantime, Netflix offers a variety of other compelling series. While none may quite match the audacity and insight of Adolescence, there are still worthwhile options available.
