Stephen Graham’s Adolescence Netflix Series Shocks Viewers in the US

Netflix recently introduced a brand-new British drama program known as Adolescence on March 13, 2025. It quickly turned into one of the most talked-about TV shows both in the UK and the US. But what’s the reason behind the complaints?

The series was co-created by Stephen Graham, a British actor who is well-known, and Jack Thorne, who has been involved in the writing of other series such as His Dark Materials. Graham is also one of the main characters in the series. He is the father of a 13-year-old whose accused for a very shocking crime. He is a character named Eddie Miller.

The plot of the story revolves around the life of Jamie Miller, a shy teenager who is arrested for the murder of a female classmate. This swerve unexpected started a spiral that made a vulnerable family matter become worse, family trauma, and the online radicalization world became one of the most blazing issues. So, the viewers wonder: how could a young child have gotten into such a violent act?

The Format Grabs You Immediately

Adolescence differs from any other film due to the unique manner in which it is shot. The quotient of each of the episodes is a one-shot technique. Therefore, there are no cuts between the scenes. The camera just moves around the house with the actors from one room to another, one moment to the next. The viewer senses like he/she is as if he/she is with the actors. This strategy makes the show sounds pretty convincing, deep and moving.

Mainly in the US and UK, most critiques are calling it a very important of the year. The misuse of social media by today’s youth is not just about one crime. It’s a bigger problem of being influenced by the content they see and hear online.

Inspired by Real-Life Issues

Stephen Graham shared in interviews that his inspiration for creating Adolescence was when he observed the rise in teens being involved in knife crimes. In reality, these crimes are more common in the UK than in the past few years. Graham has always dreamt of a film portraying the truth of how violence could be in one’s house-red or black-urban or rural- and the basis for Adolescence communicates this.

The series appears initially to be just another typical day for the troubled young boy Jamie. Troubles with a school friend and arguments with his parents make him a common teenager among others. But nonetheless, something sinister starts taking place. He begins watching online videos. He gets into a state of hate speech and imprudent principles. Gradually this leads him on to commit a violent act.

This particular message has hit home to most of the Americans who are watching it. The USA has also witnessed an increase in youth aggression, bullying, and cyber hate groups. Many parents and teachers are watching Adolescence and seeing warning signs they recognize.

Strong Performances and Big Reactions

Owen Cooper, who impersonates Jamie, turns in a deeply troubling limited showing. He efficaciously mirrors the emotional agony, the emotional puzzlement, and the fury of a boy who is twice a wronged party. Erin Doherty, a laudable artist for her role as Princess Anne in The Crown, also provides equally stunning glimpses in a supporting role.

The critics in the US are lauding the show for its courage. Lucy Mangan from The Guardian says, “It is the boldest creative work the TV industry has produced in decades.” It is a touching, thought-provoking, and moving story all at the same time as they tell their own experiences after watching all the 4 episodes.

Should This Show Be Played in Schools?

That’s the new question. In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer supported the idea of showing Adolescence in schools. He believes it can help teens understand the dangers of online radicalization and violence. The same issue is being discussed amongst the educators in the U.S. now.

The program is an apt opener to be able to engage in actual discussions on the topic of mental illness, sex-biased assaults, and the social media platform’s influence and power. On the one hand, some warn that the movie may contain too much dark material or be too intense for young viewers. Yet still, the discussion is alive and well.

What’s Next for Adolescence?

The creators have not said anything thus far about the possible second season. But the show’s influence is very evident. The program is currently taking over the Netflix trending list in the UK and the USA. It is the reason for many online talks and news reports to exist.

Maybe if you have time now, you can ‘check it out’. If you are a parent, a teacher, or are a person just trying to get a better sense of the current generation, you will definitely find Adolescence to be a challenging and moving experience.

It’s not just a criminal drama. It’s an alert. And it is the one that the American audience keeps talking about.