Stephen Graham’s latest show, Adolescence, has become a global sensation, captivating audiences particularly in India after its Netflix release on March 14, 2025. The four-part series, which Graham co-wrote and stars in, follows the tumultuous life of a 13-year-old accused of murder and the rippling effects of this accusation on his family and community.
With the series quickly gaining critical acclaim, Graham was taken aback by its massive reception in India, saying, "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 series’ success is somewhat unexpected given its deeply British cultural roots. Graham remarked that he initially anticipated the show to perform well in the UK, but was pleasantly surprised by its international appeal. He likened its unexpected reach to a ripple effect, noting, “It’s unbelievable how far it has spread.”
Before creating Adolescence, Graham had a moment of inspiration during a car ride with co-writer Philip Barantini after an awards show, where he conceptualized the entire show, stating, “I swear on my late mother’s life I had the whole thing in my head in that car.” While he admits the series seems like it is based on true events, he clarified that the inspiration came from various troubling real-life cases involving young offenders.
Graham and Barantini crafted a narrative that was intended to feel raw and authentic. To achieve this, they employed a unique single-take filming style for several sequences, enhancing the immersive experience for viewers. The role of the troubled 13-year-old boy was portrayed by Owen Cooper, a 14-year-old with no previous acting experience, whose performance has also been a part of the show's acclaim. Graham appeared in the show as the boy's emotionally unstable father, and Erin Doherty portrayed a psychologist involved in the case.
This unique storytelling approach mirrors the tone found in various acclaimed crime dramas, drawing parallels in thematic depth and narrative style. For instance, Adolescence shares its dark themes and impact with other notable crime series like The Wire, which exposes the complexities of urban life, Broadchurch, which chronicles the investigation of a young boy’s murder, and True Detective, which deftly explores the nuances of a crime and its personal consequences.
One frequent comparison is made with The Night Of, a gripping drama that follows a Pakistani-American student, Naz Khan, unwittingly implicated in a murder, depicting how swiftly one's life can unravel amid societal and judicial pressures. This similarly unflinching approach resonates with viewers who appreciate the sobering realism found in Adolescence.
Another series that has received attention in relation to Adolescence is Unbelievable, which tells the harrowing story of a young woman whose allegations of assault are doubted, leading to a painful unraveling of her life. These shows, including Mare of Easttown, which examines how crime impacts a close-knit community, further highlight the profound societal issues at the heart of Adolescence.
Despite its success and critical acclaim, Graham remains humble, reflecting on the artistic risks taken in the show. He mentioned that while there are shows touching on serious matters, few tackle such dark themes with the same rawness. “There are not many shows like Adolescence,” he said, emphasizing its uniqueness in storytelling.
The universal themes explored in Adolescence have contributed to its success, resonating with audiences worldwide, particularly those who appreciate narratives that challenge societal norms and provoke thought. Graham’s surprising journey from crafting family-centered stories to navigating the complexity of young lives facing dire consequences provides a compelling viewing experience that continues to attract viewers, long after the show's debut.
As viewers continue to discover Adolescence, its powerful storytelling and engaging approach are likely to make it a staple of modern television drama.
