Netflix's new drama, Adolescence, has made television history by becoming the first streaming show to top the UK’s weekly TV ratings. This landmark achievement highlights a shifting landscape in media consumption, as it surpasses traditional broadcasters like the BBC. The show's premiere episode generated a whopping 6.45 million viewers within its first week, according to most recent ratings data from BARB.
This figure beat the previous record set by another Netflix show, Fool Me Once, which garnered 6.3 million viewers in January 2024. Following its debut, Adolescence continued to pull in impressive numbers; its second episode logged 5.94 million viewers, while the third episode attracted 5.14 million viewers, and the fourth and final episode reached 4.65 million viewers. In context, BBC One’s The Apprentice and Death in Paradise were both watched by nearly 5.8 million viewers, landing in third and fourth place in the weekly ratings respectively.
Netflix, with approximately 17 million UK homes subscribing, is experiencing a significant rise in its audiences, especially for a platform primarily known for on-demand content. Adolescence, which was released on March 13, 2025, quickly became a talking point among viewers and critics alike. Its narrative follows a 13-year-old boy, Jamie, who is arrested under suspicion of murdering a girl from his school, exploring intense themes of gender-based violence, masculinity, and the impact of social media.
Critics have praised the series, particularly for its unique filming approach; each episode is shot in a single take, adding an immersive quality to the viewing experience. Owen Cooper, who portrays Jamie, has received accolades for his performance alongside established actor Stephen Graham, who plays Jamie's father. Graham is no stranger to the screen, having built a reputation for his powerful performances in various British dramas.
The show's impact extends beyond just ratings; it has ignited a national conversation about the challenges facing young men today. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer elaborated on this in an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, stating, “There’s a reason why the debate has suddenly sparked into life - a lot of people who work with young people at school or elsewhere recognize that we may have a problem with boys and young men that we need to address.”
Indeed, Adolescence does not shy away from heavy subjects, and it's been effectively dubbed an early contender for “drama of the year.” As more viewers catch up with the series, the anticipation for its continuation grows, with calls from fans asking for a deeper exploration of the storylines and characters. Social media platforms have been abuzz with comments celebrating Cooper's performance, with many fans explicitly asking Netflix to release more content. Instagram users chimed in with sentiments like, “OMG WE WANT MORE JAMIE” and “Netflix, please we want more episodes of Adolescence; we need to see the trial, please.”
In fact, excitement surrounding Adolescence parallels that of ITV’s drama Mr Bates vs the Post Office, which captured 10 million viewership in its debuts last year. The rapid popularity of Adolescence is indicative of Netflix's growing influence in the realm of television, which was further solidified when BARB began including streaming data in its weekly ratings back in November 2021.
The series has not only garnered viewership, but it raises pressing questions about social dynamics and the responsibilities of young men in today’s society, all while enchanting an audience unfamiliar with such raw storytelling.
For now, Netflix has bolstered its reputation with Adolescence, as intense debates continue surrounding its themes. Cooper, who has generated excitement through the release of his audition tape, now has the world watching as he steps into a spotlight that shimmers with the promise of future stardom. With the industry increasingly focusing on narratives that explore the complexities of modern life and relationships, it seems that Adolescence paves the way for more influential content to emerge on streaming platforms.
As streaming services continue to reshape viewing habits, Adolescence stands as a defining example of how a single show can shift cultural conversations and influence not only entertainment but societal perceptions of critical issues.
