It’s a quiet morning, 6:15 a.m. the family has just woken up; the parents are getting ready for work, and the sister is preparing for a long day of college classes.
Bang. Bang. Bang. The door falls onto the floor.
Armed officers rush into the house, taking everything apart, scouring the house, looking for the youngest child, who is still sound asleep in his bed.
The officers find the child and take him to the station.
Seemingly innocent 13-year-old Jamie Miller is being arrested on the suspicions of first-degree murder.
“Adolescence” is a British limited series that premiered on Netflix on March 12, 2025. The four-part show was co-created and written by Stephen Graham, who plays Jamie’s father, and Jack Thorne, with Philip Barantini directing each episode.
The series was made to explore the challenges faced by teenage boys in the digital age, particularly the influence of online subcultures that promote toxic masculinity and misogyny. Jack Thorne, one of the creators, conducted extensive research into this “manosphere,” an internet world that involves groups of men who spread the idea that men are naturally dominant.
According to the Canadian Museum of Human Rights, they distort biology and evolution to argue that gender norms are “natural.”
Thorne found that online communities hurt young men’s societal perceptions and behaviors. He expressed concern about the appeal of these ideologies to vulnerable youths and emphasized the need to address their influence. Andrew Tate, whose ideologies and videos gained a significant amount of attention in 2022, serves as an example of the types of influencers who are spreading toxic and misogynistic ideals and, whether intentionally or unintentionally, are instilling them into the developing minds of children. Children who don’t know the difference between right and wrong, or don’t understand what these men online are saying, will be influenced by them regardless, unquestioningly accepting what they say. This series serves as a wake-up call for parents and guardians, making sure that they are aware of the impact this type of media can have on their children and hope to prevent children from falling into the wrong influence.
“Adolescence” has had a significant cultural impact and sparked many discussions about teenage violence and online safety for children. The series has received great praise for its portrayal of these issues. This has led to calls for it to be shown in schools to educate students about the dangers of cyberbullying, mistreatment, and misinformation on online platforms. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer endorsed this initiative, highlighting the show’s relevance to contemporary societal challenges.
The plot line centers around Jamie Miller, played by Owen Cooper. Miller is accused of murdering his classmate, Katie. The series delves into the events leading up to the crime and its aftermath, examining his interactions with his family, law enforcement, and mental health professionals. The show’s viewing experience is intensified by each episode being filmed in a single continuous take, uniquely setting the performance apart from other British TV Shows.
Critics praised the series for its bold storytelling and technical execution. The Guardian described it as “the closest thing to TV perfection in decades,” praising the performances and the single-take format. The Los Angeles Times highlighted the effective use of one-shots to support a powerful story, noting the series’ ability to capture the emotional depth of all its characters.
Overall, “Adolescence” is a compelling and thought-provoking series that addresses critical issues facing today’s youth. Its innovative storytelling, combined with powerful performances, makes it a standout production that resonates with audiences and sparks crucial conversations about the impact of online cultures on adolescent development.
