Netflix
“So I thought when she was, like, that weak, she might… she might like me,” Jaime Miller said in the hit show, Adolescence. On the surface, this might just look like a quote from any other murder mystery show. Yet, it is so much more than that. To summarize, 13-year-old Jaime Miller is arrested for the murder of his classmate, Katie Leanoard. This four-part series explores the investigation and the impact on Jaime’s family, school, and the justice system. Most who click on the title expect to root for this boy and see which ‘evil adult’ has blamed another adolescent for their mistake. However, in episode one, a clear video shows the truth. This conflict of feelings, the sympathy for Jaime, is exactly the problem they are trying to convey. Themes analyze the underlying causes of youth violence, social media influence, pressure on young men, and more. This isn’t a whodunnit, it’s a why-do-it?
The 2025 Primetime Emmy Awards were held on Sunday, September 14, 2025. One of the biggest winners of the year was Adolescence, which took home eight awards. Some major ones include Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie to Stephen Graham, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie to Erin Doherty, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie to Owen Cooper, Outstanding Directing for a Limited or Anthology Series to Phillip Barantini, and Outstanding Writing (for a Limited or Anthology Series) for Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne.
Owen Cooper, the now-youngest male actor to win an Emmy, and the youngest ever in his category, had never acted professionally before. Despite his age, he carries the complexity of the role with surprising intensity. Critics noticed his acting truly captures shifts from anger to vulnerability, leaning into the turmoil of a teen in crisis. Actors with many years of experience struggle to deliver performances with such depth. His co-star, Erin Doherty, only appeared in episode three. Since the episode is a two-person scene, their chemistry and timing elevated both performances, with her response to Jaime’s volatility. In her performance, she balances professionalism and empathy. From what she describes in interviews, the process was draining: “We rehearsed for two weeks, then we shot it for one week, and we did two takes a day, because that is all we could emotionally and physically achieve.” Although a demanding task, Erin Doherty pulled it off.
Likewise, their co-star Stephen Graham’s performance stood out among critics. He is not only the lead actor but also a co-creator, writer, and executive producer of the series. He is the backbone of its success. The Times’ Tom Peck called the show “complete perfection” and said, “I don’t think I broke my gaze from the TV for so much as a second. I may not have even blinked.”
In addition to the impressive action, their production style’s uniqueness made Adolescence stand out from other series. It is a one-shot limited series, meaning the action unfolds in real time with no cuts or stitching together takes. Cinematographer Matthew Lewis worked with Phillip Barintini to deliver a feeling of tension and nervousness as the story and Jamie’s intentions reveal themselves through one continuous scene.
To accomplish this daunting task, they had to extensively map the area being filmed to see how the camera would move within it. Then they rehearsed it like a dance. Usually, for similar filming, a handheld camera is used. In this case, they wanted the DJI Ronin 4D. It had limitations, but it was able to pass between operators. That was especially beneficial for episode two, when it connected to a drone. It was a last-minute request from the execs. Originally, it was going to take off and fly and stay up in the air, but they thought it would be compelling to go back and find Stephen Graham at the end of the scene.
Despite the cast’s dedication, the filming process wasn’t without struggles. Another challenge was episode three. One-shots work best when there’s movement, but this was a two-person interrogation. The camera felt like it was just floating around for no reason. To overcome this, the choreography mirrored every beat. When a lull occurred, the camera was still, but it would move with energy. Even Jaime taking a sip of water signaled the camera to move slowly. In order to do this right, collaboration, finding the right locations, and the right camera gear were key to pulling it off.
Accompanied by the outstanding writing and cinematography, Adolescence offers many important lessons. First, Jaime struggles to fit in and makes harmful choices just to be accepted. Societal expectations of masculinity distort his behavior, and the show highlights how the “Red Pill” or incel subculture can reinforce the belief that men are systematically disadvantaged and that violence is a legitimate response. Parents need to understand the digital world of young people, recognizing Red Pill ideology, and know how to react appropriately. Likewise, the series examines the mental and social consequences of bullying, both in person and online. Katie publicly mocked Jaime on Instagram, fueling his low self-esteem and contributing to his spiral. Some viewers might misinterpret the story, thinking “she deserved it,” but the show clearly portrays the dangers of adopting that mindset. By following Jaime’s perspective, audiences witness how a combination of victim mentality, internalized rhetoric from figures like Andrew Tate, and a lack of awareness of the gravity of one’s actions can lead to devastating consequences.
Overall, there are multiple reasons why Adolescence is “one of the best shows of the 21st century.” Not only is the emphasis on recognizing mental health issues in teens valuable for everyone, but it also encourages viewers to consider multiple perspectives before judging, highlighting the importance of explaining the characters’ choices without excusing their actions. With open conversations with peers, parents, and counselors, tragedies could be averted. Especially today, with the increasing use of technology, consuming extremist content can justify harmful actions. Therefore, this show should be shown to audiences of all ages and potentially taught in schools to promote awareness and critical thinking. Beyond just themes, actor Owen Cooper is an inspiration to young viewers, stating, “Tonight proves that if you listen and you focus and you step out of your comfort zone, you can achieve anything in life. I was nothing about three years ago.”
If you’ve yet to see Adolescence, it’s time to see what everyone is talking about.