Netflix’s ‘Adolescence’: The Chilling Inspiration Behind the Crime Drama

LOS ANGELES, CA — Netflix‘s new limited series, ‘Adolescence,’ premiered on March 13, 2025, swiftly climbing to the top of the streaming charts. The crime drama follows 13-year-old Jamie Miller, played by Owen Cooper, who is accused of murdering a classmate, Katie Leonard. The show has sparked discussions on whether Jamie’s story is based on real-life events or if it is a work of pure fiction.

In a gripping four-part series filmed in a single continuous shot, each episode unfolds in real time, creating an immersive viewing experience. The narrative kicks off with Jamie’s arrest in the first episode, transitions to the police investigation in the second, and culminates with the aftermath of the allegations on his family in the final episode, 13 months later.

Stephen Graham, the series co-creator and star, takes on the role of Jamie’s father, Eddie Miller. The supporting cast includes Ashley Walters as Detective Inspector Luke Bascombe, alongside Erin Doherty and Christine Tremarco. Following its release, ‘Adolescence’ secured a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

While the series does not depict a specific true story, Graham has revealed that it was inspired by the alarming rise of knife crime in the United Kingdom. “There was an incident where a young boy [allegedly] stabbed a girl,” Graham told Netflix. This shocking trend prompted him to explore the underlying causes. Statistics from the Office for National Statistics indicate that 83% of homicides involving teenagers in 2023-24 involved a blade, with approximately 50,500 sharp instrument-related offenses recorded in England and Wales, marking a statistically significant concern.

Co-creator Jack Thorne noted that the narrative portrays the complexities surrounding male rage and societal influences. He emphasized the importance of understanding various factors contributing to such violence, particularly among young men. “It’s a journey I’ve never gone on as a writer before,” Thorne said, encouraging viewers to reflect on the troubling themes presented in the series.

Interestingly, the series debuted shortly after the trial of Axel Rudakubana, a 17-year-old convicted of murdering three young girls at a dance workshop. While ‘Adolescence’ was developed prior to this incident, its timing amidst rising concerns about youth violence lends the story an unsettling relevance. Furthermore, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer‘s recent remarks on the dangers of young men radicalized online resonate with the themes explored in the series.

Graham explained that the narrative seeks to hold parents and society accountable for understanding the influences affecting children today. “We’re all guilty of blaming the parents, but what if that’s not the case at all?” he posed. Through the interactions between Jamie and the characters around him, the series grapples with the weighty questions of why juvenile violence persists in today’s culture.

Each episode of ‘Adolescence’ is designed to engage viewers deeply, utilizing a single-take format that enhances the tension and immediacy of the narrative. Director Philip Barantini aimed to provide an immersive experience, promoting a sense of urgency and emotional connection with the characters. As Barantini put it, “It creates a tension and forces a perspective on the audience to where they can’t look away, even if they feel anxious or awkward.”

In discussion of the casting process for young Jamie, Graham highlighted the necessity of finding a young actor who accurately represented a 13-year-old. After extensive casting, they chose Owen Cooper, who was 14 at the time of filming. Graham remarked, “We realized we couldn’t cast someone older; the authenticity of the adolescent experience was crucial.”

As ‘Adolescence’ continues to spark conversation about youth violence, societal complexities, and the evolving landscape of modern-day parenting, all four episodes are available for streaming on Netflix. The show has captivated viewers with its urgent themes and raw portrayal of contemporary issues facing adolescents.