What is the "Adolescence" Series That's Sparking So Much Discussion? — Why Should Every Parent Watch This Show?

New Delhi- The British crime drama miniseries Adolescence, created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham and directed by Philip Barantini, has taken the world by storm since its premiere on Netflix on March 13, 2025.

The four-episode series, shot entirely in single continuous takes, has garnered widespread critical acclaim for its gripping storytelling, technical brilliance, and powerful performances. But beyond its cinematic achievements, Adolescence has sparked a crucial conversation about parenting, social media, and the challenges of raising children in the digital age.

Adolescence is the story of Jamie Miller (played by Owen Cooper), a 13-year-old schoolboy who is arrested for the murder of his classmate, Katie Leonard. The series is set in a small English town, where police investigations, school inquiries, and psychological evaluations uncover the dark underbelly of Jamie's life.

As the story progresses, it is revealed that Jamie has been a victim of cyberbullying linked to incel culture. The term "incel" (short for "involuntary celibate") refers to an online subculture of individuals who define themselves as unable to find a romantic or sexual partner despite desiring one. Members of the incel community often blame, objectify, and demean women and girls.

Katie had publicly mocked Jamie on Instagram, labeling him as an incel, which filled Jamie with anger and resentment. The series delves into Jamie's troubled psyche, his fractured family dynamics, and the societal pressures that ultimately lead to tragedy.

Each episode is filmed in a single continuous shot, adding to the raw intensity of the narrative. The show explores themes of masculinity, parental responsibility, and the impact of social media on young minds, making it a thought-provoking watch.

Why Should Every Parent Watch This Show?

Adolescence is not just a crime drama; it is a mirror to the challenges of modern parenting. The show reminds parents how crucial it is to keep an eye on their children's online activities in today's digital age.

Filmmaker Karan Johar, who is a father to twins himself, described the show as a "wake-up call" on Instagram. He wrote, "Raising children is a blessing, but it is also a huge responsibility. No book or podcast can prepare you for this. You first need to become the best version of yourself."

Johar also emphasized that children are a reflection of their parents' souls. "What you say, how you say it, your habits, your behavior... all of this affects your child. They mimic you, whether you realize it or not."

The show has become an important message for Indian parents as well. Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt called it "truly perfection" and praised its technical brilliance.

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap also applauded the show but criticized the Indian film industry. He said, "We have 1.4 billion people, but there is a lack of individuals who appreciate art and vision. Here, the focus is only on numbers and earnings."

Parents of two teenagers, Sangya and Vishal Sharma, said, "Adolescence is not just a series; it is a lesson. It reminds parents how important it is to be more aware, more present, and more involved in their children's lives. In this era of social media, where children are living under constant comparison and pressure, this show brings an essential message for every parent."

Dr. Pallavi Verma (Psychologist and Parenting Expert) said, "The series Adolescence deeply impacted me. It is not just a crime drama but a powerful reflection of modern parenting and the influence of social media. Jamie's character reminds us how important it is to understand children's mental state. In this age of social media and cyberbullying, parents must communicate openly with their children."

College lecturer Deepti Bhatnagar said, "Adolescence gave me an opportunity to understand the gap between education and society. The show not only highlights children's mental health but also reveals how schools and the education system often fail to address these issues. Jamie and Katie's story forces us to think about what is lacking in our education system and how it can be improved."

Adolescence is more than just a series; it is a lesson. It reminds parents to be more aware, present, and involved in their children's lives. In a world dominated by social media, where children are constantly under pressure and comparison, this show delivers a crucial message for every parent.

Adolescence is now streaming on Netflix. Watch it and take its message to heart.