Okay, so you’ve all probably now heard of ‘Adolescence‘, the new Netflix drama series co-created by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne, and if you haven’t, have you been living under a rock?

Directed by Philip Barantini, of ‘Boiling Point‘ fame, the drama follows the arrest of 13 year old Jamie Miller, who is accused of the murder of his classmate. Each episode is shot in one take (a style Barantini is famous for) which allows for an immersive, gripping and theatre-like performance. We are big fans here at Lucky Break News not only of the aforementioned style, but also the phenomenal performances from Stephen Graham, Owen Cooper, Ashley Walters and the rest of the cast.

It has garnered significant attention and acclaim from major UK publications too for its unflinching portrayal of contemporary issues affecting teenage boys. 

Here’s a roundup of reviews from The Guardian, The Independent, The Telegraph, and The Times.

1. The Guardian hailed the series as “the closest thing to TV perfection in decades.” Critic Lucy Mangan praised its technical prowess—each episode is filmed in a single continuous take—and lauded the performances as “award-worthy”. She emphasized the series’ intense naturalism and evocative storytelling, making it a “deeply moving, deeply harrowing experience.” ​
2. The Independent described ‘Adolescence’ as a “triumph” for Netflix, highlighting its intelligent and timely exploration of teenage masculinity, online radicalization, and incel culture. The review noted that the series is “an intelligent, stylistically adroit and timely piece of work”, with each episode shot in a single take, showcasing the creators’ inventive approach.
3. The Times commended the series for its brilliance, stating, “Adolescence is brilliant. I can put it no other way.” Reviewer Carol Midgley highlighted the authenticity in every aspect of the drama, from dialogues to character interactions, and described it as a “storytelling masterclass” that is both compelling and terrifying, especially for parents. ​
4. The Telegraph noted the series’ quiet devastation, stating it is “a drama so quietly devastating that I won’t forget it for a very long time.” Reviewer Anita Singh emphasized the chilling portrayal of contemporary issues affecting young boys, making it a significant and memorable watch. ​

Collectively, these reviews underscore ‘Adolescence’ as a powerful and timely drama that masterfully addresses pressing societal issues through exceptional storytelling and performances.​

The Guardian – 5 out of 5 stars

The Independent – 4 out of 5 stars

The Times – 5 out of 5 stars

The Telegraph – 5 out of 5 stars

Watch on Netflix now.