Netflix’s latest crime drama was inspired by tragic real-life murder cases.
The streaming service's new show Adolescence has captivated audiences since its release last week, quickly soaring to the number-one spot on the platform.
The four-part series follows Eddie Miller (Stephen Graham), a devoted father, whose world shatters when his 13-year-old son, Jamie (Owen Cooper), is arrested for the brutal murder of a classmate.
The show also stars Top Boy’s Ashley Walters as the lead detective and The Crown’s Erin Doherty as Jamie’s psychologist.
While the series has received widespread acclaim for its groundbreaking one-shot filming technique, one question has been on viewers’ minds: Is it based on a true story?
Graham, who is also a co-writer, revealed that the show was inspired by the 262 people who were stabbed to death in England and Wales between 2023 and 2024, and the devastating impact on their families.
"There was an incident where a young boy [allegedly] stabbed a girl. It shocked me," the 51-year-old told Tudum. "It shocked me. I was thinking, ‘What’s going on? What’s happening in society where a boy stabs a girl to death? What’s the inciting incident here?’
"And then it happened again, and it happened again, and it happened again. I really just wanted to shine a light on it, and ask, ‘Why is this happening today? What’s going on? How have we come to this?'" he added.
Unlike traditional crime dramas that revolve around a whodunnit mystery, Adolescence takes a different approach.
From the first episode, viewers learn that Jamie stabbed his classmate after she cyberbullied him. Instead of questioning who committed the crime, the series delves into why it happened.
One of the most unsettling aspects of the series is how close to home its themes feel for many parents, particularly in the UK, where knife crime among teenagers remains a pressing issue.
Fans have praised the show’s hard-hitting message and unique cinematography, with every episode filmed in a single continuous take.
"Just watched #Adolescence- a disturbing look at how social media influences can shape young teens. The fact that every episode was shot in one take, with no cuts or pauses, is seriously impressive," one viewer shared on X.
Another said: "#Adolescence @Netflix is incredible. Each episode (4) done in one shot. Extraordinary focus by all to pull off, esp the school scene in E2. Compelling story about toxic masculinity and social media and a family torn apart! Take a bow Stephen Graham, holding a mirror to society."
And a third added: "Every person who works w or takes care of young people needs to watch #Adolescence - the real epidemic of male violence against women, bullying, toxic online spaces and knife crime is dissected so brilliantly and heartbreakingly."
As a father himself, Graham wanted to ensure Adolescence didn’t just tell a crime story - it needed to feel real.
"We could have made a drama about gangs and knife crime, or about a kid whose mother is an alcoholic or whose father is a violent abuser," he explained.
"Instead, we wanted you to look at this family and think, ‘My God. This could be happening to us!’ And what’s happening here is an ordinary family’s worst nightmare."
Adolescence is more than just another crime drama - it’s a chilling reflection of the real tragedies happening in society today.