- By Aarushi Raina
- Mon, 24 Mar 2025 11:54 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Adolescence, which features Stephen Graham, Owen Cooper, Ashley Walters, Erin Doherty, and others, has been topping the charts since its release on Netflix. The mini-series, which tells the story of a 13-year-old boy who gets arrested for the murder of his female classmate and how his life and the lives of his loved ones change, has captivated audiences globally. Graham, who co-wrote the series and also played the role of Jamie Miller's father, opened up about the show’s popularity in India and the response from Indian viewers that really surprised him.
When Adolescence was released on Netflix on March 13, Stephen Graham expected the show to grab attention in the UK but was shocked to see the response from India. In an interview with Rolling Stone, he said, "I got a text from a mate of mine, telling me how big Adolescence is in India. And my first response was, ‘Hold on… did you say India?! Did I hear you correctly?’ Apparently, it’s really striking a nerve there.”
He added, "But it just seems to have struck a nerve in a lot of places! The thing you have to understand, when we set out to do this... it was very colloquial. But it's like we dropped a stone into this pond, and the ripple effect it's produced has been unbelievable."
Stephen Graham on idea of creating Adolescence
Graham revealed that the idea came to him during a car ride with his close friend Philip Barantini. While discussing what they wanted to work on next, he stated that the whole story came to him in a flash. “I swear on my late mother’s life, I had the entire show in my head. Like, the whole thing.”
He shared how he drew inspiration for the show from real-life events. Graham added, "I wanted to make one of those social dramas for right now. Because we have a real crisis going on with young men today, and we’ve got to start talking about it right now. It affects all of us. I just wanted to start a conversation about this, a real conversation. I didn’t know if people would be ready to talk about it. But I think they are. And hopefully, this is just the beginning of the conversation."
Bollywood Celebrities' Reactions to Adolescence Series
The show has been receiving overwhelming reviews globally, with praise from Bollywood celebrities and audiences across the globe. Recently, Alia Bhatt joined the list and shared her review on her Instagram handle after watching the show. She wrote, "This show is truly perfection... From the writing to the staging to the EXCEPTIONAL cinematography — I wonder what it felt like after an hour of calling 'action' to finally calling 'cut'... How did the entire cast and crew feel???? The performances by each and every person who walked into the frame and out were ALIVE... real, raw, and so, so hot in the moment that the energy is very, very palpable! & so moving. The magic of storytelling and an entire crew coming together to deliver, with every department giving nothing but their heart and soul to every second on screen. I'm in awe!!!"
Joing the list of reviewers, Karan Johar revealed how Adolescence moved him as a filmmaker but broke him as a parent. He called it a wake-up call to parents who are raising children in the digital age. He penned a lengthy note on his Instagram, which read, "To be a parent…I have always known that raising a child is as much a blessing as it is an arduous responsibility. No book or podcast can prepare you or teach you to be the best version of yourself as a parent. What you need to first be is the best version of YOURSELF... the very best.What you say, how you say it, what you feel, and how you express it... your habits, your behavior, your ideologies, your politics... EVERYTHING is eventually going to rub off on your child. They are embodiments of your soul... you may not realize the reflection, but they will mirror you..."
He added, "Adolescence is a wake-up, loud call to parents who are raising children in the times of social media. I grew up on conversations; they speak in emojis. I grew up on books; they scroll reels. I grew up on self-discovery; they are surrounded by comparisons. The pandemic is NOW! We just don’t see it... This gut-wrenching show is more a mirror to parenting and social media commentary than anything I have seen or been impacted by recently. The gaze of perceived masculinity... the impact of bullying... turning a blind eye to child habits and patterns... "
Praiing the series, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani director stated, "This 4-episode mini-series is a masterclass for parents. The technical marvel of 4 groundbreaking long shots moved me as a filmmaker but broke me as a parent...I am raising twins... and I thank this show for building my awareness and my responsibility quotient even more...This is more than a series; it’s a forever lesson. I am grateful to the creators of Adolescence and to Netflix!"
Impressed by the show, Janhvi Kapoor took to her Instagram Stories and shared her feelings after watching Stephen Graham's Adolescence. Sharing a poster of the series, she posted, “Brutal and heart-wrenching.”
Earlier, filmmaker Hansal Mehta dropped his review on his Instagram handle. He was so enthralled and captivated by the storyline that he said the series deserves every award out there. Check out his post below:
View this post on Instagram
Anurag Kashyap also reviewed the show and stated how he went numb after watching it. He wrote on his Instagram handle, "I am numb and envious and jealous that someone can go and make that . The performances from the Child actor Owen Cooper and Stephen Graham, who is not just playing the father but is also the co creator of the show. The amount of hard work that has gone in the show. I can’t even imagine the rehearsals and prep they did , so they could shoot every episode in a single shot."
View this post on Instagram
He also showed his diappointed at the at the hypocrisy of Netflix leadership. He also reflected on his experience working with the platform.
About Adolescence
The four-episode series Adolescence has surprised everyone with an engaging storyline, following the life of a family whose world takes a drastic turn when their 13-year-old son, Jamie Miller (played by Owen Cooper), is arrested for the murder of a classmate from his school. The plot sets the stage for a thrilling and emotional journey after the arrest of Jamie Miller. The mini-crime drama series stars Stephen Graham, Owen Cooper, Ashley Walters, Erin Doherty, and many others.