3 Must-Watch Shows If You Loved Adolescence

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2025’s Netflix limited series titled “Adolescence,” created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, has rapidly become one of the year’s most gripping crime dramas. The four-episode series centers around 13-year-old Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper), who stands accused of murdering a fellow classmate. What distinguishes the show is not only its unsparing portrayal of youth violence, but also its innovative filming style – each episode is filmed in one continuous take, generating an intense and confined viewing atmosphere. The series has garnered widespread praise for its powerful acting, especially from newcomer Owen Cooper and seasoned actor Stephen Graham, who delivers a heart-wrenching performance as Jamie’s distraught father, Eddie.

Adolescence fearlessly tackles challenging topics such as online extremism, the incel subculture, and the shortcomings of safeguards designed to shield vulnerable teens. This series delves into how social media can amplify teenage discontent into something much more perilous, sparking discussions about adolescent mental health and the digital terrain modern teenagers traverse. For those captivated by Adolescence’s mix of crime drama, family drama, and societal critique, here are three shows that offer comparable thematic depth and emotional impact following its conclusion:

1. Euphoria – A poignant exploration of the lives of high school students navigating love, friendships, and drug addiction.
2. Skins – An edgy British drama series that portrays the raw, often turbulent experiences of a group of teenagers growing up in contemporary England.
3. My So-Called Life – A ’90s American television drama that delves into the complexities of adolescence and the struggles faced by its protagonist, Angela Chase.

Broadchurch

The drama series “Broadchurch,” set in a coastal English town named Dorset, unfolds with the grim discovery of 11-year-old Danny Latimer’s body on a beach. This revelation sends shivers through the tight-knit community, as it appears that everyone conceals secrets. Similar to “Adolescence,” the show skillfully portrays the aftermath of a childhood calamity, delving not only into the detective work by duo Alec Hardy (David Tennant) and Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman), but also the heart-wrenching repercussions on Danny’s family and the entire town. Chris Chibnall’s exceptional writing ensures that the central mystery is never trivialized for entertainment purposes, rather serving as a tool to scrutinize how grief, suspicion, and media attention can metamorphose a community.

For fans of ‘Adolescence’, the series ‘Broadchurch’ strikes a deep chord due to its raw depiction of parental distress and its intricate examination of how well we really understand those close to us. Like ‘Adolescence’, ‘Broadchurch’ is dedicated to authenticity, with acting that reflects the complex, messy nature of dealing with trauma. Across all three seasons, ‘Broadchurch’ maintains the tense, emotionally raw atmosphere that made ‘Adolescence’ captivating, while also delving into broader themes such as justice, forgiveness, and community strength.

Defending Jacob

According to William Landay’s 2012 novel, “Defending Jacob” features Chris Evans as Andy Barber, a prosecutor who finds his life turned upside down when his 14-year-old son Jacob (Jaeden Martell) stands accused of murdering a classmate. The Apple TV+ miniseries has similar themes to “Adolescence,” with both focusing on how parents struggle to accept that their child might be capable of violent acts. Similar to Stephen Graham’s character Eddie Miller in “Adolescence,” Andy must come to terms with his own parental shortcomings and family history as evidence accumulates against his son.

The novel “Defending Jacob” stands out by delving into the debate between genetics and environment, as the main character Andy uncovers a family lineage of violence potentially inherited by his son. Moreover, Michelle Dockery gives an exceptional portrayal of Laurie Barber, Jacob’s mother, whose bond with her husband and son weakens as her suspicions about Jacob’s guilt intensify. Lastly, “Defending Jacob” poses thought-provoking questions concerning the juvenile justice system’s handling of offenders and the unattainability of definitive truth in instances of guilt and innocence.

Mare of Easttown

In simpler terms, the TV show “Mare of Easttown,” produced by HBO, features Kate Winslet playing Detective Mare Sheehan. She’s investigating a murder case of a young mother while her personal life is falling apart. The series, which spans seven episodes, is set in a Pennsylvania town facing difficulties. It skillfully combines the central murder mystery with a genuine depiction of working-class life in America, a representation seldom seen on television.

Kate Winslet delivers an Emmy-winning portrayal, keeping the show grounded as Mare, a once famous basketball player struggling with life’s hardships. Her local fame doesn’t shield her from grief over her son’s suicide, custody battles for her grandson, and criticism for not solving another missing girl’s case. Driven by desperation, she plunges headfirst into her new investigation. Similar to the series Adolescence, it delves into how violence against young women exposes deeper societal fissures, all while maintaining focus on the devastating effects of such violence on both victims and those who endure its aftermath.

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2025-03-24 23:11