Exploring Adolescence: A Gripping New Series
Adolescence is a powerful new miniseries that delves into the complex influences shaping our children today, particularly in the digital realm, and the often troubling consequences that arise. Created and written by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne, this four-part drama presents a harrowing narrative centered around teenage murder. It transcends the typical themes of gang violence and knife crime, raising profound questions about responsibility and the potential for prevention.
The series, which was filmed in a single continuous shot, premiered on Netflix on March 13 and features Graham in the role of Eddie Miller, a father grappling with the accusations against his 13-year-old son, Jamie, portrayed by Owen Cooper.
Graham expressed a primary goal of the series: “We wanted to explore what is happening to our young men today and the myriad pressures they face—from peers, the internet, and social media. The challenges kids encounter here mirror those faced globally.”
Is Adolescence Based on True Events?
While the character of Jamie does not represent a specific individual or incident, the inspiration for the series emerged from real-life reports of young boys engaging in knife-related violence. Graham recounted hearing about a shocking incident where a young boy allegedly stabbed a girl, prompting him to reflect deeply on societal issues.
He shared his thoughts with Netflix’s Tudum, saying, “When I first learned of this incident, I was struck with disbelief. I couldn’t help but wonder, ‘What is happening in our society that leads to such violence?’ This question lingered as similar incidents continued to make headlines.”
Co-writer Thorne elaborated on their creative process, noting that he, Graham, and director Philip Barantini became increasingly fascinated with the exploration of male aggression. They began to examine their own identities as men—fathers, partners, and friends—prompting a period of intense introspection. “This was a journey I had never embarked upon as a writer before,” Thorne admitted, “and it was both terrifying and exhilarating because it felt like we had something significant to communicate.”
What Inspired This Compelling Netflix Drama?
At a recent Bafta Screening Q&A in London, Graham discussed the origins of the show. “I came across an article detailing a young boy who had stabbed a girl, and it left me feeling cold,” he conveyed. “Then, a few months later, the news reported another similar incident involving a different young boy—again, the victim was a girl. These were not men; they were children, and it was occurring on opposite ends of the country.”
Graham expressed that these events deeply affected him, both as a parent and as a member of society. He reflected on the urgent need to address why such tragedies are occurring. “It was then that I, along with Barantini, began to conceptualize the series, aiming to answer the question, ‘Why does this happen?’”
One of the critical themes explored in the show relates to the rise of incel culture—an online community of individuals who identify as involuntarily celibate and often harbor resentment towards women. Graham stated, “We must acknowledge our collective accountability. There are significant flaws within the educational system, and we must examine how these misogynistic ideologies have gained traction.”
He also pointed to the Channel 4 documentary series 24 Hours in Police Custody as a significant influence on the storytelling approach of the first episode. Additionally, Thorne emphasized the role of social media in shaping children’s experiences. “We need to engage in conversations akin to those happening in Australia, where they are enacting legislation to limit social media access for minors,” he argued. “If we fail to engage in these crucial discussions, the situation will inevitably worsen.”
