Stephen Graham has unveiled the harrowing inspiration behind his new Netflix series, Adolescence, which is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about dramas of the year. Released on March 13, 2025, this gripping four-part series tells the story of 13-year-old Jamie Miller (played by Owen Cooper), who finds himself accused of murdering his classmate, Katie.
Graham, who plays Jamie's father, Eddie Miller, co-wrote the series with Jack Thorne, and their collaborative effort has struck a chord with viewers and critics alike. The drama is not just entertainment; its roots lie deeply embedded within real-life incidents of youth violence. According to Graham, the show was inspired by tragic events like the stabbing death of Brianna Ghey, a transgender girl murdered at the age of 16 on February 11, 2023, as well as several other violent incidents involving young individuals. "Is there was an incident in Liverpool, a young girl, and she was stabbed to death by a young boy. I just thought, why?" Graham expressed during media interviews.
Viewers have praised the show for its uncompromising look at pressing societal issues such as knife crime, misogyny, and the influences of incel culture on young boys. The creative direction of Adolescence brings this story to life uniquely—each episode is filmed continuously, providing the audience with the sensation of being immersed alongside the characters as they navigate these harrowing circumstances.
Notably, the show has received stunning accolades, achieving 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and earning five stars from Daily Mail's Christopher Stevens. Daily, social media users reflect on how the show hits home, sharing sentiments like, "The new Netflix show #Adolescence is a must watch in 2025," indicating its rising profile.
Graham urges parents to remain alert to how external influences affect their children. "It's just being mindful of the fact not only do we parent our children, and not only the school educates our children... but also there's influences we have no idea of..." he noted, highlighting the chaotic mix of societal pressures and digital exposure young people face today.
The series also deftly addresses the issues of bullying and radicalization through online channels, crafting the storyline around Jamie's character without depicting his family as inherently violent or dysfunctional. Graham emphasizes the complexity of the narrative, asking, "Who is to blame? Who is accountable?" It challenges viewers to reevaluate many facets of youth upbringing, including the family unit, education, and broader society.
Critics have lauded the performances of the young cast, particularly Owen Cooper, whose portrayal of Jamie excellently encapsulates the turmoil of adolescence. Fans on platforms such as X, formerly Twitter, shout about their admiration, with remarks like, "OMG! #Adolescence on Netflix is the most INCREDIBLE camera work I’ve ever seen! ONE CAMERA….ONE SHOT???" This technique not only amplifies tension but also creates a realism rarely seen on television.
Graham himself remarked on this unique filming style, which he believes creates spontaneity for the performers similar to stage acting. He compares it to involving the audience more intimately than conventional productions would allow. "You have to do your best not to mess up, and everything is very live," he noted.
Even with its accolades, Adolescence is not without its emotional weight. The concluding scenes reveal Eddie grappling to understand the factors contributing to his son’s actions. Graham crafted the finale with heartbreaking simplicity, capturing Eddie's painful realization of his efforts to raise Jamie effectively. Upon entering Jamie's empty room, Eddie clutches Jamie's teddy bear, saying, "I'm sorry, son. I should have done more." This moment encapsulates the theme of accountability and the complexity of familial love against the backdrop of societal failings.
Both Graham and Tremarco, who portrays Jamie's mother, Manda, hope the series sparks family discussions about the concerning realities of modern adolescence, especially concerning boys and their interactions with online cultures filled with troubling narratives. "We want people to be aware because even when I first read the scripts, I had no idea what an incel was," Tremarco shared, emphasizing the education they hope to bring through this compelling story.
It is this emphasis on communal dialogue and awareness around troubling contemporary issues, like knife crime and youth violence, which makes Adolescence not just another crime drama but perhaps one of the most significant and necessary series released this year. Parents and communities are called to address these topics, ensuring the next generation understands the delicate balance of influences surrounding them. Streaming now on Netflix, Adolescence is positioned as both entertainment and as catalyst for change.