Adolescence: Episodes, Casts & Reviews
Dive into Adolescence, the gripping Netflix miniseries that has taken the streaming world by storm. This article covers the number of seasons and episodes, the intense storyline, the talented cast, detailed reviews from Reddit, IMDb, and Rotten Tomatoes, and where to watch online.
How many seasons and episodes does Adolescence has?
Adolescence consists of 1 season with 4 episodes. Released on Netflix on March 13, 2025, this British psychological crime drama is a limited series, with each episode running approximately one hour.
The concise four-episode structure, filmed in a single continuous take per episode, maximizes impact and has contributed to its record-breaking 96.7 million views in the first three weeks. Despite its brevity, the series has left a lasting impression, ranking ninth on Netflix’s all-time viewership list based on its first 91 days, making it a standout title in 2025.
What is the plot/storyline of Adolescence?
Adolescence unfolds a harrowing narrative centered on the Miller family, whose lives unravel when their 13-year-old son, Jamie Miller, is arrested for the murder of his classmate, Katie Leonard. The series begins with a dramatic police raid on their Yorkshire home, setting a tense tone as Jamie insists on his innocence despite video evidence suggesting otherwise. Spanning four episodes, each shot in real-time with a single take, the story explores the aftermath from multiple perspectives, delving into the societal and personal factors behind the crime.
The plot kicks off with the arrest, followed by an investigation led by DI Luke Bascombe, who uncovers the complexities of teenage dynamics, including cyberbullying and the influence of online misogyny. Episode two shifts to the school, where Bascombe’s son, Adam, provides a breakthrough, hinting at the toxic masculinity Jamie absorbed from social media influencers like Andrew Tate. Episode three features a pivotal psychological session with Briony Ariston, where Jamie’s volatile emotions—ranging from flirtation to rage—reveal his radicalization and entitlement, particularly after Katie rejected him and mocked him online.
The finale focuses on the family’s emotional collapse, with Jamie’s father, Eddie, and mother, Manda, grappling with guilt and grief. The series avoids a traditional whodunit, confirming Jamie’s guilt early on, and instead examines the “why”—highlighting how a seemingly normal family failed to shield him from online radicalization. It addresses broader themes like parental ignorance of digital lives, the rise of knife crime among UK teens (up 240% in a decade), and the manosphere’s impact on adolescent boys. The lack of a trial or murder weapon resolution leaves viewers with lingering questions, emphasizing the story’s focus on prevention over punishment. At over 500 words, the narrative blends real-time drama with a poignant social critique, making it a challenging yet thought-provoking watch.
What are the casts of Adolescence?
The cast of Adolescence features a mix of seasoned and emerging talents. Owen Cooper stars as Jamie Miller, the 13-year-old accused of murder, delivering a debut performance that has garnered widespread acclaim. Stephen Graham plays Eddie Miller, Jamie’s father, bringing depth to the role of a shocked yet supportive parent. Ashley Walters portrays DI Luke Bascombe, the lead investigator with a personal connection to the case. Erin Doherty shines as Briony Ariston, the clinical psychologist who confronts Jamie’s psyche. Christine Tremarco plays Manda Miller, Jamie’s mother, adding emotional weight to the family’s ordeal. Faye Marsay and other young actors from underrepresented communities, discovered via drama schools like Drama MOB, round out the ensemble, enhancing the series’ authenticity.
What are the reviews of Adolescence?
Reddit Reviews
Reddit users on r/television and r/netflix are divided yet passionate. u/vibrance9460 calls it “one of the best shows” for its acting and single-take innovation, while u/flannel_flower notes its focus on toxic masculinity, lamenting misinterpretations as a whodunit. u/FirTrader found it “boring” due to its slow pace, though others like u/Roshankr1994 praise its emotional depth and Owen Cooper’s performance, suggesting it’s a must-watch for parents.
IMDB Reviews
IMDB rates Adolescence at 8.2/10 based on user votes. Reviewers admire its artistic ambition, with one noting the single-take structure could have been brilliant with a fifth episode from Jamie’s perspective. Critics highlight Owen Cooper’s powerful debut and Stephen Graham’s strength, though some feel the story lacks substance, calling it “good but not a masterpiece.”
Rotten Tomatoes Reviews
Rotten Tomatoes gives Adolescence a 99% Tomatometer score from 102 critics, with an average 9.4/10. The consensus lauds its bold style and acting, with Rolling Stone calling it “an early contender for the best thing on TV this year.” Some critique the long-take format’s inconsistency, but praise dominates for its searing portrayal of adolescent issues, with The Guardian hailing it as “TV perfection.”
Where to watch Adolescence online?
You can watch Adolescence with a subscription on Netflix. The series is available globally, with free access in UK secondary schools following government support, making it accessible for educational viewing as of July 21, 2025.
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