In a surprising turn of events, British actor and filmmaker Stephen Graham has been taken aback by the overwhelming success of his latest Netflix series, Adolescence, especially in India. The four-part series, which premiered on March 14, 2025, has rapidly climbed to the top of Netflix’s global most-watched list, highlighting its widespread appeal across diverse audiences.
The series, which boasts an impressive 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, tells the compelling story of Jamie Miller, a 13-year-old boy accused of murdering a classmate. In the process, it explores the profound implications of this accusation not only on his life but also on those connected to him. Graham, who co-wrote and stars in the show as Jamie's father, couldn't help but express his astonishment at the show's reception, particularly in India.
When Adolescence debuted on Netflix, Graham expected it to resonate with UK viewers, but he never anticipated how far its reach would extend. Speaking to Rolling Stone, he said, “I got a text from a mate of mine, telling me how big Adolescence is in India. And my first response was, ‘Hold on… did you say India?! Did I hear you correctly?’ Apparently, it’s really striking a nerve there.”
The show’s success is not just a coincidence but mirrors a growing conversation around young masculinity and societal challenges faced by adolescents today. As Graham noted, “When we set out to do this, it was very colloquial. But it’s like we dropped a stone into this pond, and the ripple effect it’s produced has been unbelievable.” His words emphasize the unexpected global impact the show has had, transcending its local roots.
Graham's creative journey for Adolescence is rooted in personal reflections and societal observations. The initial idea sparked during a car ride after an awards show, alongside his friend and co-writer Philip Barantini. “I swear on my late mother’s life,” Graham recalled. “I had the entire show in my head. Like, the whole thing.” He aimed to address a pressing concern he had been grappling with—violent crimes committed by teenage boys. Graham's goal was to delve into the psychological challenges faced by these youths, stating, “These aren’t men committing these crimes. They’re boys.”
In a bid to create a raw and realistic atmosphere, Graham and Barantini decided on a single-take filming style for many scenes, allowing viewers to feel like they are directly engaged with the unfolding drama. The role of Jamie is portrayed by Owen Cooper, a 14-year-old actor with no prior acting experience, which further adds to the authenticity of the series. Erin Doherty plays the psychologist who supports Jamie, while Graham’s character evolves significantly throughout the series.
Addressing the motivation behind the creation of Adolescence, Graham expressed a desire to spark meaningful discussions surrounding the struggles of young men today. “I wanted to make one of those social dramas for right now,” he shared. “Because we have a real crisis going on with young men today, and we’ve got to start talking about it right now. It affects all of us.” His conviction in addressing vital social issues is evident through the emotional depth and complexity of the characters depicted in the series.
The response from the Indian audience has been overwhelmingly positive, with notable film personalities such as Alia Bhatt, Anurag Kashyap, and Sudhir Mishra praising the show’s sensitive portrayal of its themes. The universal relevance of the narrative struck a chord, allowing it to resonate deeply within various cultures beyond its British origins.
As the series wrapped up its initial release phase, it reached an astonishing 24.3 million views just within the first four days, marking a significant milestone for both the cast and crew. Experts and critics alike have commended the show for its gripping storytelling and thought-provoking subject matter, solidifying its status as a must-watch.
Ultimately, Stephen Graham's Adolescence has become a critical success, igniting conversations that extend far beyond the screen, encouraging audiences to tackle the social challenges that young men face in today’s society. Graham's hope is that this is just the beginning of a larger dialogue: “I didn’t know if people would be ready to talk about it. But I think they are. And hopefully, this is just the beginning of the conversation.”
