Courtesy of Netflix

Did he do it or not? Jamie Miller is a 13-year-old boy who is convicted of the murder of a classmate, and the story follows his life as his family, friends, and therapist try to figure out what happened.

Adolescence, a British television psychological crime drama, has recently hit the media in full force. Time Magazine recognized it as one of the best TV dramas so far in 2025. At first, I thought it was just another teen drama, but it ended up being one of the most powerful and intense shows I’ve watched. This four-episode series aired on Netflix on March 13th, 2025, and it follows a 13-year-old boy named Jamie Miller who is accused of the alleged murder of a female classmate, Katie. You are left with the question of what happened, which is uncovered as the show dives deep into his life, family, and most importantly, the dark influence of the internet on today’s youth.

One aspect of the show I thought was impressive was that each scene was filmed in one continuous, uninterrupted shot. Director Philip Barantini told the film crew to press record on the camera and not stop until they finished filming the scene, and from a production standpoint, this is very hard to do. The uncut filming also added a more realistic effect, creating this tension and nervousness throughout the story. I was able to see directly into the unfolding drama and emotional impact social media had on Jamie and today’s youth.

One-take scenes are incredibly difficult for actors, and part of why Adolescence became so popular was the acting. Something that stood out to me was the performance of 15-year-old Owen Cooper, who played Jamie. Considering that it was his first-ever acting job, his natural talent made the theme of the show seem more realistic, like it was based on a true story.

Stephen Graham, who plays Jamie’s dad, was another actor who was exceptional in his role. You could feel his heartbreak, frustration, confusion, and love towards his son all at once. The relationship between him and Jamie resonated most with me because it showed how complicated and painful it can be to watch someone you love, your son, change into an unrecognizable person.

This series is a must-watch not only because of the incredible acting, but also for the important message it tells. It forces us to think about how dangerous social media and online spaces can be, especially for kids. A normal, 13-year-old boy like Jamie wouldn’t have ever crossed my mind as someone who could be a suspect for murder. However, when kids turn to online platforms looking for someplace to belong, they are being exposed to enough toxic culture that is dangerous and can spiral into real-life violence. Although this show isn’t as carefree as a comedy, it is extremely powerful, and its meaning will stay with you long after you watch it.