Adolescence is a gripping and emotionally charged British crime drama that premiered on Netflix in March and was created by writer Jack Thorne and actor-producer Stephen Graham.
The four-part limited series centers on 13-year-old Jamie Miller, a seemingly ordinary boy from West Yorkshire who is arrested for the shocking murder of a female classmate.
The show doesn’t just focus on the crime — it delves deeply into the psychological, familial and societal pressures that shaped Jamie’s world, exploring themes like toxic masculinity, neglect, peer pressure and the universal influence of social media on young minds. “I was surprised when the show had a much deeper story than just the murder, it was more to bring attention to how teens use social media now and how toxic masculinity can affect kids,” senior Isabella Hovian said.
Each of the four episodes is shot in one long take, which makes everything feel real and intense. It pulls the viewer into the story and makes the drama hit harder.
The series has generated significant buzz not only for its subject matter, but also for its stylistic and cultural detail. Critics have overwhelmingly praised Adolescence for its bold storytelling, stellar performances and its fearless look at the complex lives of modern teenagers.
The series currently holds a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers hailing it as one of the most impactful dramas of the year. “I haven’t watched the show yet, but I heard that it is really good and I’m so excited to watch it soon with my friends,” sophomore Noah Rhee said.
The Guardian, a renowned British newspaper called it, “the closest thing to TV perfection in decades,” spotlighting its nuanced handling of subjects like online misogyny, family breakdown and institutional failure.
While deeply unsettling in parts, the show has also been widely recognized for sparking important conversations among parents, educators and policymakers about youth mental health and digital culture. “I watched the show with my mom, and immediately after, she started questioning if this is how teens use social media nowadays and I just told her yes. That made her concerned,” sophomore Neeki Naderi said.
Powerful emotions and bold style make “Adolescence” more than just a crime show — it’s become a big part of the culture of 2025.
