The Netflix series Adolescence has resonated with audiences worldwide, quickly becoming the most-watched show on the platform shortly after its debut. The four-part drama, co-written by and starring Stephen Graham, addresses the heavy themes surrounding violence among youth and the profound effects of familial support on personal aspirations.
In a recent emotional interview on Capital Breakfast, Stephen Graham, the acclaimed Liverpool actor, shared a heartfelt memory of breaking the news to his father that he would be working alongside the legendary Robert De Niro. "I went 'Dad, you'll never guess who, I'm going to be working with!' and he's like 'that's amazing son!" Graham recalled, visibly moved. This emotional journey reflects the deep bond he shared with his parents, who he credits for unwavering support throughout his career. As he continued, tears began to well up in his eyes, illustrating the profound connection he feels about his family and the sacrifices they made for his dream.
Graham's portrayal of Eddie Miller, the father of 13-year-old Jamie—the protagonist accused of murder—captures the intensity of familial love amid chaos. The series delves into the narrative of a teenage boy arrested following the deadly stabbing of his classmate, Katie, bringing to light the severe consequences of youth violence in today’s society.
In a parallel emotional moment, Ashley Walters, who plays Detective Inspector Luke Bascombe, discussed an on-set mistake that had him in tears. Each episode of Adolescence was shot in one continuous take, creating an added pressure on the actors to deliver flawless performances. Walters recounted, "In episode two, I chase a kid at the end, and I used his name when calling my son instead of my son's character's name right at the end. And I was in bits, bro." His feelings of responsibility to the entire cast and crew underline the remarkable collaboration that defines this project.
From the very first episode, which features the chilling scene of Jamie committing the crime via CCTV footage, Adolescence does not shy away from the realities of its storyline. The character of Katie is portrayed by Emilia Holliday, whose haunting legacy continues throughout the series, culminating in a poignant number sung by her character in the final episode. In a powerful moment, Jamie confesses to Eddie his intention to plead guilty, encapsulating the weight of despair and accountability inherent to his actions.
Stephen Graham, who also co-created the series with Jack Thorne, reflects on the social relevance of its theme. He noted that the inspiration for the narrative came from real-life incidents involving youth violence, particularly recent tragedies in Liverpool and South London. He shared, “I just thought, why? Then there was another young girl in south London who was stabbed to death at a bus stop. And there was this thing up North, where that young girl Brianna Ghey was lured into the park by two teenagers, and they stabbed her.” These real-life events add a sobering layer to the fiction that invites viewers to contemplate the alarming state of youth interactions today.
Furthermore, the director of the series, Philip Barantini, emphasized the importance of the meticulous casting process that brought the character of Jamie to life. He noted, "We scoured the North West... actors who'd done a few bits and bobs but also kids who'd never acted before" leading them to Owen Cooper, who ultimately captivated the audience with his raw talent during auditions.
Critics have praised Adolescence for its gripping storytelling, underscored by the unique one-take filming approach employed throughout the series. Steve Graham’s involvement in both writing and acting brings forth a deeply personal narrative that connects with many viewers. As one fan elaborated, “Absolutely amazing series, should be shown in every school, and on all mainstream television channels to reach as many young children and parents as possible, well done.”
With the creative pair of Graham and Barantini at the helm, many anticipate that the success of Adolescence not only demonstrates the capabilities of British storytelling but also sets a precedent for tackling pressing social issues through entertainment.
Meanwhile, Graham’s exceptional career trajectory appears to be reflecting similar growth; he reportedly amassed around £5 million between March 2023 and March 2024, showing not only success in acting but also in his ventures as a producer. His production company, Gralf Ltd, was reported to hold cash reserves of £3 million.
Social media has also exploded with praise, with many viewers expressing their astonishment at Brad Pitt’s behind-the-scenes involvement as executive producer through his company Plan B Entertainment. As excitement builds for Pitt's upcoming feature film based on Formula 1, viewers have taken to platforms like X to express their surprise and admiration at his engagement with British drama.
As the impact of Adolescence continues to ripple through discussions on social media and amongst fans, it is vivid that this Netflix series has not only struck a chord with its viewers but also fostered a necessary dialogue about the realities faced by today’s youth.
