Stephen Graham, renowned for his performances across various hit series and films, has returned to screens with the gripping new crime drama Adolescence, which premiered on Netflix on March 13, 2025. Co-created with award-winning screenwriter Jack Thorne, this four-part series has already garnered rave reviews, with critics dubbing it one of the most important shows of the year, tackling the harrowing issue of teenage violence and societal influences on young men.
Adolescence tells the story of Jamie Miller, played by newcomer Owen Cooper, who is thrust onto the national stage when he is accused of murdering his classmate. Stephen Graham stars as Eddie Miller, Jamie's father, desperately trying to navigate the chaos surrounding his family following the shocking arrest. The narrative's gravity is intensified by the real-time progression of events, bolstered by the unique filming technique where each episode is shot entirely in one continuous take.
During the promotional events for the show, Graham shared the unsettling origins of the story. "I read about a young boy stabbing a young girl... it just made me feel cold," he remarked, reflecting on how this tragic occurrence sparked the creative process behind the series. He and Thorne wanted to create something substantive, asking broader questions about masculinity and the influence of toxic culture, especially as represented by social media outlets. "It takes a village to raise a child, and we didn't want to point the blame at anyone particularly. So we wanted to look at it and say, we're all accountable," Graham explained.
While Adolescence does explore the accountability of parents and immediate guardians, it takes a broader approach by addressing societal structures and pressures leading young boys to commit acts of violence. The show touches on modern incel culture and mentions notorious figures associated with toxic masculinity, such as Andrew Tate, albeit from the perspective of concerned adults, as noted by Thorne: "This is not just about the parents; it's about everything—societal, governmental. We need to be talking about male rage and how it’s been normalized by social media."
The series features notable performances from Christine Tremarco as Jamie's mother and Ashley Walters as Detective Inspector Luke Bascombe, introducing various layers to the tale as Jamie's family grapples with the reality of his alleged crime. Graham emphasized the importance of these characters, stating, "Today, we don't know what our children could do in their bedrooms, the possibility of the internet." The series serves not only as entertainment but as both cautionary tale and reflective analysis of contemporary youth experiences.
Filming Adolescence posed unique challenges for the cast and crew, particularly with the one-take approach. Graham likened the process to stage theater, stating, "It technically is a play, and it’s the most zen I’ve ever been because it's naturalism and we are playing to the camera." With extensive rehearsals to perfect their movements and dialogue, the ensemble cast immersed themselves fully, creating intense, authentic moments for viewers to engage with.
The release of Adolescence has sparked important conversations across social media. Following its debut, the series achieved the remarkable feat of securing 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, a nod to its impactful storytelling and strong performances. Viewers are sharing their emotional responses to the storyline, and many have called it "the most important show you'll see this year," emphasizing its relevance to discussions about masculinity and teenage behavior.
The broader societal impacts of programs like Adolescence cannot be understated, as they reflect real-life incidents and the urgent need to fathom the complexity surrounding them. Graham's intention is clear: to provoke dialogue about the paths leading to violence by asking, "What are we teaching our boys?" His emotional investment as both actor and co-writer is palpable, drawing from the painful realities of society.
Overall, this powerful drama dives deep beneath the surface of teenage life, shedding light on pressing issues faced by both youth and parents today. With its unique storytelling style and multilayered characters, Adolescence offers a fresh take on crime dramas—being more than just entertainment but also serving as a wake-up call to society. Streaming now on Netflix, it invites audiences to engage thoughtfully with its themes and messages.