A new four-part series on Netflix titled "Adolescence" has made history by topping the UK weekly TV ratings, marking it as the first streaming show to achieve such a feat. The series, which debuted on March 12, 2024, follows the life of 13-year-old Jamie Miller, portrayed by Owen Cooper, who is accused of murdering a female classmate. Written by and starring Stephen Graham, known for his role in "Boiling Point," the show has generated significant discussion regarding incel culture, misogyny, and the influences of the online "manosphere".
According to the ratings body Barb, the first episode drew in 6.45 million viewers within its initial week, outstripping major British television programmes like "The Apprentice" and "Death in Paradise". This viewership establishes "Adolescence" not only as an instant success but also as the single biggest audience for any streaming show in the UK in a week, surpassing the previous record held by Netflix's "Fool Me Once," which reached 6.3 million viewers in January 2024.
The subsequent episodes continued to perform strongly, with the second episode boasting 5.94 million viewers and securing second place in the weekly ratings. The show maintained its prominence, with the third and fourth episodes drawing in 5.41 million and 4.65 million viewers, respectively, solidifying its place in the top tier of UK television viewing figures.
The series employs a captivating one-take format, presenting the narrative in real-time as the characters navigate the ramifications surrounding the central incident. Graham, in an interview with The Independent, shared his inspiration for the storyline, citing a sense of heartbreak upon reading news articles about young boys committing acts of violence against girls. He expressed the importance of acknowledging the external influences that can shape the behaviour and mindset of children today. "It's just being mindful of the fact that not only we parent our children, and not only the school educates our children," he noted, "but also there's influences that we have no idea of that are having profound effects on our young culture."
The show’s co-writer, Jack Thorne, who hails from Bristol, articulated his hopes for its educational value, stating, "I want it to be shown in schools, I want it to be shown in Parliament." He expressed concerns about the growing issues relating to misogyny and male violence and emphasised the necessity for societal conversations around these topics. Prime Minister Keir Starmer also acknowledged the series, praising it as "a really good drama to watch" and underscoring the need to address the cultural influences contributing to violence against women and girls.
As "Adolescence" continues to captivate audiences and provoke public discourse, it highlights a notable shift in the landscape of UK television and the pivotal role streaming platforms are playing in shaping contemporary narratives. The conversations it has ignited are expected to persist, pushing the boundaries of how society approaches critical issues affecting young people today.
Source: Noah Wire Services