Netflix has just unveiled its gripping new crime thriller series, Adolescence, which has quickly captured the attention of viewers. The show revolves around Jamie Miller, a 13-year-old boy accused of murdering his classmate, and unfolds across four intense episodes filmed in a single continuous shot.
Premiering on March 13, 2025, Adolescence has already achieved a remarkable 100% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
The series boasts an impressive lineup of British talent. Stephen Graham stars as Jamie’s father and co-created the show with acclaimed writer Jack Thorne.
Adding to the star power is Ashley Walters, known for his work as a British actor and rapper, who plays the pivotal role of DI Luke Bascombe. The series also introduces fresh, young faces that audiences will surely connect with.
A significant factor behind Adolescence’s early success is its outstanding performances, which elevate the story’s emotional depth. If you’re looking for a thrilling viewing experience combining heart-wrenching drama with stellar acting, Adolescence is worth your time!
Who Are the Stars of Netflix’s Adolescence?
The cast of Adolescence features a mix of seasoned British stars and talented newcomers. From Stephen Graham’s powerful portrayal of a grieving father to Owen Cooper’s breakout role as Jamie Miller, here’s everything you need to know about the actors and their characters.
Stephen Graham as Eddie Miller
Career Starting:1990
Born in Kirkby, Lancashire, Stephen Graham is one of Britain’s most versatile actors. He gained early recognition with standout roles in Snatch and Gangs of New York. His breakout came with This Is England, where he delivered a career-defining performance.
Known for iconic roles in Boardwalk Empire and Peaky Blinders, Graham now stars in Netflix’s Adolescence as Eddie Miller, the father of accused teen Jamie Miller, showcasing his unmatched ability to bring emotional depth to complex characters.
| Stephen Graham’s Notable Movies & TV Shows | Who He Played |
| Snatch (2000) | Tommy |
| This Is England (2006) | Andrew “Combo” Gascoigne |
| Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011) | Scrum |
| Boardwalk Empire (2010) | Al Capone |
| Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021) | Patrick Mulligan |
Ashley Walters as DI Luke Bascombe
Career Starting:1992
Ashley Walters, born in Peckham, London, is a multi-talented British actor and rapper who first gained fame as part of the UK garage group So Solid Crew. In 2004, he earned critical acclaim for his role in Bullet Boy, winning Best Newcomer at the British Independent Film Awards.
Walters later transitioned into acting, becoming widely recognized for his iconic portrayal of Dushane Hill in the hit series Top Boy.
| Ashley Walters’ Notable Movies & TV Shows | Who He Played |
| Grange Hill (1997) | Andy Phillips |
| Bullet Boy (2004) | Ricky |
| Top Boy (2011) | Dushane Hill |
| Doctor Who (2013) | Gregor Van Baalen |
| Bulletproof (2018) | NCA Officer Ronnie Pike |
Owen Cooper as Jamie Miller
Career Starting:2025
At just 15 years old, Owen Cooper has taken the entertainment world by storm with his debut role as Jamie Miller in Netflix’s Adolescence. This marks his first on-screen appearance and his first-ever acting experience.
Despite his inexperience, Cooper delivers a stunning performance as a 13-year-old boy accused of murder. His raw talent has earned him widespread acclaim and even secured him a role in Emerald Fennell’s 2026 adaptation of Wuthering Heights.
| Owen Cooper’s Notable Movies & TV Shows | Who He Played |
| Adolescence (2025) | Jamie Miller |
| Wuthering Heights (2026) | Young Heathcliff |
Christine Tremarco as Manna Miller
Career Starting:1977
Christine Tremarco, born in Liverpool, is a seasoned British actress who began her career at just 15 with The Leaving of Liverpool. She gained fame as Davina Shackleton in Waterloo Road and has appeared in acclaimed projects like Casualty and Little Boy Blue.
In Netflix’s Adolescence, Tremarco delivers a powerful performance as Manda Miller, the mother of the accused teen, Jamie Miller.
| Christine Tremarco’s Notable Movies & TV Shows | Who She Played |
| The Leaving of Liverpool (1992) | Lily |
| Waterloo Road (2007) | Davina Shackleton |
| Casualty (2010) | Linda Andrews |
| Clink (2019) | Sinead Kovac |
| Wolfe (2021) | Betsy Chambers |
Faye Marsay as DS Misha Frank
Career Starting:2008
Faye Marsay, born in Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, is a versatile British actress celebrated for her dynamic roles. She gained recognition as Anne Neville in The White Queen (2013) and later captivated audiences as The Waif in Game of Thrones.
With standout performances in Black Mirror and Andor, Marsay now stars in Netflix’s Adolescence as DS Misha Frank, investigating the gripping case of Jamie Miller.
| Faye Marsay Notable Movies & TV Shows | Who She Played |
| The White Queen (2013) | Anne Neville |
| Fresh Meat (2013) | Candice Pelling |
| Game of Thrones (2015) | The Waif |
| Black Mirror (2016) | Blue Colson |
| Andor (2022) | Val Sartha |
Erin Doherty As Briony Ariston
Career Starting:2016
Erin Doherty, a gifted British actress from Crawley, West Sussex, has captivated audiences with her versatility. After training at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, she earned acclaim for her breakout role as Princess Anne in The Crown (Seasons 3 & 4).
Doherty has since starred in Chloe and Reawakening. In Netflix’s Adolescence, she delivers a powerful performance as Briony Ariston, a psychologist tasked with unraveling the mind of Jamie Miller, the teen at the heart of this gripping crime thriller.
| Erin Doherty’s Notable Movies & TV Shows | Who She Played |
| Call The Midwife (2017) | Jessie Marsh |
| The Crown (2019) | Princess Anne |
| Chloe (20222) | Becky |
| Reawakening (2024) | Clare |
| A Thousand Blows (2025) | Mary Carr |
Supporting Characters That Add Depth
Mark Stanley as Paulie Hunter
Paulie Hunter plays a pivotal role connected to Jamie’s school life, offering insights into the events leading up to Katie’s tragic death.
Jo Hartley as Mrs. Fenumore
Hartley portrays Mrs. Fenumore, whose interactions with Jamie’s family complicate the narrative.
Amélie Pease as Lisa Miller
Lisa is Jamie’s older sister, played by newcomer Amélie Pease. Her perspective on her brother’s case highlights familial tensions.
Amari Bacchus as Adam Bascombe
Adam, DI Bascombe’s son, helps uncover clues about Katie’s bullying behavior towards Jamie through social media evidence.
Austin Haynes as Fredo
Fredo is an antagonistic figure who bullies Adam Bascombe, adding another layer to the toxic dynamics explored in the series.
What Makes Adolescence Stand Out?
Unique One-Shot Filming Style: Directed by Philip Barantini (Boiling Point), each episode unfolds in a single continuous take, immersing viewers in its raw intensity.
Timely Themes: The show addresses pressing issues like toxic masculinity, bullying, and social media’s impact on youth.
Stellar Performances: From seasoned actors like Stephen Graham to newcomers like Owen Cooper, every performance elevates the narrative.
Why Should You Watch Adolescence?
If you’re a fan of crime dramas that go beyond surface-level storytelling, Adolescence is for you. Its exploration of complex characters, societal issues, and moral dilemmas makes it more than just another Netflix thriller—it’s a conversation starter. So grab your popcorn and prepare for an emotional rollercoaster as you delve into this groundbreaking series!
About Adolescence
Launching on March 13, 2025, Adolescence is a four-part limited series starring Stephen Graham (Boiling Point, Bodies). Each episode is filmed in one continuous shot, offering an unflinching portrayal of a family’s turmoil following a shocking tragedy. The story unfolds in real time as the main characters, including Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper), who is arrested for the murder of a teenage girl from his school, and the detectives investigating the case, search for answers.
As the narrative progresses, viewers are confronted with critical questions: Who is truly responsible for this tragedy? Why did it happen? Could it have been prevented? Directed by Philip Barantini and co-written by Graham and Jack Thorne, Adolescence promises to deliver an intense viewing experience that explores complex themes such as youth violence, family dynamics, and societal pressures affecting today’s adolescents. With its innovative filming style and compelling storyline, this series is set to captivate audiences worldwide.
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