Netflix viewers are buzzing about the new limited series Adolescence, which premiered on March 13, 2025. The gripping show follows the harrowing story of 13-year-old British schoolboy Jamie Miller, who finds himself embroiled in tragedy after being arrested for the murder of his classmate, Katie Leonard.
Created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, and directed by Philip Barantini, Adolescence is presented uniquely, appearing to be filmed in one continuous shot. Viewers and critics alike have praised the series for its nuanced portrayal of complex issues surrounding youth violence and psychological health, earning comparisons to last year’s successful show Baby Reindeer, which tackled similar societal themes.
One of the standout elements of this series is its nuanced approach to storytelling. Rather than simply presenting the murder as the focal point, Adolescence delves deep to explore the myriad factors contributing to Jamie’s actions. Stephen Graham, co-creator of the series, explained, "The idea came as – over the past 10 years or so – we’ve seen an epidemic of knife crime among young lads, up and down the country. And for me, there were certain instances where young boys – and they are young boys, you know, they’re not men – were killing young girls." This recognition of the disturbing trend sets the stage for the story to unpack the societal pressures and psychological struggles faced by adolescents today.
Psychologist Dr. Amani, who discussed the show on TikTok, elaborated on how multiple layers of influence — from social media to family dynamics — intertwine to shape vulnerable youths like Jamie. "The way we’re doing things at the moment, when everything is very individualistic, it only goes so far," Dr. Amani pointed out. She referenced Urie Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory to highlight the interconnected influences impacting Jamie, including the macrosystem of societal values and the microsystem of his immediate environments.
Each episode of Adolescence picks apart these influences, creating a rich narrative filled with emotional depth. The interactions between the characters reveal much about the underlying societal issues at play, such as masculinity and the pressure of societal expectations. Jamie’s father, Eddie — played by Graham himself — provides insight through his struggle to understand the circumstances leading to the crime, serving as Jamie’s “appropriate adult” during the investigation.
Dr. Amani emphasizes during Episode 3, as Jamie speaks to child psychologist Briony Ariston, the importance of emotional processing. Her observations trace how societal expectations can lead to dangerous manifestations of anger and aggression, especially among boys. "When I’m working with boys, I’ve seen high levels of anger and destruction, but you never get to address those things because what we see on the surface is anger and aggression," she stated, shedding light on the need for greater awareness and intervention.
The response from viewers has been overwhelmingly positive. One Twitter user remarked, "Currently watching #Adolescence on Netflix and f* it's one of the best TV I've ever watched!" Others have echoed this sentiment, with comments focusing on how the series captures raw emotions and provokes reflection. A fan claimed, "Holy sh!! The new Netflix show Adolescence is unbelievable TV. Gripping, terrifying, intense, heartbreaking, and tragic. The script, acting, direction - everything is top-notch. Watch it!" Their enthusiasm highlights the show's impact and resonance with current societal issues.
The series has sparked discussions around the responsibility of parents, educators, and society at large. Many agree, as one commenter noted, on the necessity for increased awareness and training related to mental health and adolescent development. “We need to start a petition to ban social media under 16 or 18,” stated one viewer, expressing concerns over the influence of online culture on today's youths.
Critics have not held back their praise either. Major publications have lauded the series for its thought-provoking content and emotional depth. The Guardian stated, “While there is an element of Adolescencethat entertains us like pure horror, it should also be understood to have plenty of contact points with real things going on inside homes and school playgrounds.” Collider emphasized the show’s responsibility message, highlighting it as one of the most significant series viewed in recent years.
With its impressive storyline, powerful performances, and poignant discussions, Adolescence not only entertains but also serves as a catalyst for much-needed conversations about youth, violence, and mental health. The series provides viewers with stark reminders of the realities faced by many adolescents today, tapping directly to the heart of what it means to grow up amid pressing societal challenges.
This limited series is currently available for streaming on Netflix, and many viewers have already begun to digest its content through their own lenses, reflecting on the pressures and dynamics of adolescence. With conversations continuing to rise around topics of mental health and societal responsibility, Adolescence will likely remain at the forefront of discussions about the intersection of youth and violence for quite some time to come.
