In a wave of conversations that have swept across the UK, Netflix's new drama series, Adolescence, has ignited discussions regarding the dangers of online influences on youth, particularly concerning misogynistic rhetoric and toxic cultures.
Released on March 13, 2025, this gripping four-part mini-series has captivated audiences, accumulating an impressive 24.3 million views in just the first four days of its streaming debut. The show centers on Jamie Miller, played by 15-year-old Owen Cooper, who is embroiled in a tragic narrative after being accused of murdering a classmate named Katie Leonard. As the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that Jamie's descent into violence is deeply tied to his exposure to dark online communities.
Erin Doherty, who takes on the role of psychologist Briony Ariston in the series, expressed her pride in the project during a recent appearance on the podcast How To Fail. “I’m very proud. I watched it for the first time all in one sitting the other day and never felt that necessity with a project before,” she shared. “I was like, 'Oh my gosh, this needs to be seen'. We need to be having these kinds of conversations.”
Doherty noted the importance of addressing such significant issues within the narrative. Her character plays a pivotal role in Jamie's pre-trial assessment, navigating the complexities of his psychological state. “I wanted people to witness someone knowing their professional stance but grappling with it,” she explained, acknowledging the importance of the script and the lead performance by Owen Cooper.
The writer of the show, Jack Thorne, also weighed in on the extraordinary production techniques employed in Adolescence, emphasizing the decision to film each episode in a single take. “What this show can do through the one-shot format is challenge those expectations in a different way,” he stated to Deadline. With each episode unfolding in real-time, the viewers experience the drama’s intensity firsthand.
The thematic elements resonate well beyond the screen, capturing societal anxieties about youth and internet culture. For instance, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his engagement with the series, reportedly watching it alongside his teenage children. The show's portrayal of how easily influences can spiral into detrimental actions has struck a chord among parents. “You don’t have any insight into the youth culture, you know, Instagram, all that stuff. And adults are basically shut out... and that’s really scary,” said one concerned viewer from Glasgow.
Owen Cooper, in his debut role as Jamie, has gone from being relatively unknown to a sought-after talent in the industry. His compelling performance has drawn favorable comparisons to seasoned actors, sparking interest in future projects. Cooper is already set to appear in two upcoming TV series, including the BBC comedy Film Club alongside Aimee Lou Wood and Emerald Fennell's adaptation of Wuthering Heights as the young Heathcliff.
Cooper has taken his newfound platform as a chance to advocate for responsible online behavior among children. He advises parents to restrict access to social media until their children are older, citing the risks associated with early exposure. “My advice for parents is: You can’t keep an eye on your children at all times,” he remarked. “So don’t let them have social media until they’re older; stick to the advised age restrictions.”
As the series highlights the sinister undercurrents of modern youth culture—particularly the rise of misogynistic online forums—the response to Adolescence has sparked not only admiration for its artistic merit but also a broader discourse surrounding youth mental health. Michael Conroy, founder of Men At Work, noted the show's potential impact in educational settings: “The drama is brilliant and will be used a lot by teachers and parents. It will create essential conversations.”
Overall, Adolescence serves as both a cautionary tale and a profound reflection on current societal issues. The immediate engagement from audiences demonstrates the need for such narratives that stimulate critical discussions about the influences shaping today’s youth. With the series already cementing its place in pop culture, both creators and actors express surprise and pride over its resonance with viewers.
Erin Doherty concluded, “I never felt like I was working with someone that age; it felt like being with a seasoned professional,” referring to Owen Cooper. The success of this unique and impactful series is a testament to the talent involved and the urgent conversations it inspires, ensuring it remains at the forefront of public discussions about the realities facing today’s youth.
