If you’re on the hunt for a series that fully lives up to the hype, look no further than Netflix’s most recent addition — Adolescence. The drama quickly picked up steam on the streamer, soon nabbing the ever-coveted title of a Certified Fresh pick on Rotten Tomatoes, even going so far as to boast a nearly perfect critics’ approval rating of 98%. But don’t take our word for it; there are over 24 million viewers who have already taken a dive into the Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham co-created, gut-wrenching miniseries.
The first wave of numbers was tallied from March 10 to March 16, 2025, when a whopping 24.3 million subscribers tuned into the platform to see what all the buzz was about. This remarkable viewership means that for that week, Adolescence eclipsed Netflix’s other episodic productions and secured the number one spot. To put its success into perspective, other titles on Netflix’s Top 10 chart during the same timeframe indicate Running Point with 6 million views, Zero Day at 4.4 million views, and Beauty in Black with 3.9 million views.
So, what makes Adolescence such a standout hit? For starters, the plot follows a teenage boy accused of murdering one of his female classmates, Katie. Over four episodes, audiences witness the fallout that impacts everyone in a small town. The story is gripping and relatable, while performances from Graham, Ashley Walters, Erin Doherty, and the cast are unmatched. One distinctive factor that sets Adolescence apart is its use of oners (single takes); meaning each episode was shot in one continuous motion with zero cuts. It’s a wondrous thing to watch, especially with the considerable talent of young actors involved.
Stephen Graham, a central figure in the series, is reaping huge acclaim for not only his performance as Eddie Miller but also for helping to propel newcomer Owen Cooper into the spotlight. The 15-year-old actor is currently being tipped for a Bafta victory thanks to his debut performance as Jamie Miller. Graham emphasized the team's commitment to “create opportunities” for individuals who often don’t get such chances.
This isn’t the first time Graham has lifted a young talent. In 2006, he helped introduce Thomas Turgoose to the industry in This is England. Graham’s close bond with Turgoose included offering to adopt him after the loss of Turgoose’s mother. At that time, Turgoose was only 13 and struggled to navigate his life following the tragedy. Reflecting on their relationship, he noted the promises made by Graham and co-star Vicky McClure to stick by him through the filming process, which certainly resonates with the commitment Graham has shown towards Cooper.
After the strong reception of Adolescence, Cooper has already secured a role in Emerald Fennell’s forthcoming adaptation of Wuthering Heights, where he will play a young version of Heathcliff, alongside stars like Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi.
As the success of Adolescence continues, Graham’s triumph is also apparent in his finances. Reports have emerged revealing that the actor raked in around £5 million from March 2023 to March 2024, doubling his earnings from the prior year. His production firm, Gralf Ltd, currently holds cash reserves of £3 million, according to Companies House. Yet, there are personal challenges Graham faces; he has openly discussed his struggles with dyslexia, which can complicate script reading and line memorization.
To combat these difficulties, his wife, Hannah Walters, has played a pivotal role by reading scripts and guiding his career decisions. They jointly established Matriarch Productions, aiming to amplify underrepresented voices in the industry. Their initial collaboration yielded the critically acclaimed Boiling Point, which received a Bafta nomination the following year.
Interestingly, Adolescence was also lauded for its unique filming approach. Filming in South Kirkby, West Yorkshire, the series was shot in nearly hour-long continuous takes, with cinematographer Matthew Lewis behind the camera for each of its four episodes. Not just a critical success, within two days of its first episode release, the show had already reached 2.7 million views and garnered a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes.
The ideas behind Adolescence were rooted in Graham’s reflection on the sharp uptick in knife crime across the UK. He shared insights about the emotional impact of reports concerning youth violence, series creator thoughts on accountability, and how societal factors come together to influence such issues. Drawing connections between personal responsibility and community involvement, Graham aims to delve deeper into what affects today’s youth.
Overall, with its powerful storyline, innovative technique, and meaningful performances, Adolescence isn’t just making waves as a streaming series; it’s sparking discussions about important societal issues. As audiences continue to binge-watch this riveting drama, the legacies of those behind it, like Stephen Graham and Owen Cooper, may just be beginning to bloom in the industry.
