- ‘Adolescence’ is now No. 4 on Netflix’s Most Popular English TV list.
- It surpassed ‘Bridgerton’ Seasons 1 & 3, ‘The Queen’s Gambit,’ and more.
- The series has amassed over 114 million views in less than a month.
- It’s available for streaming in UK secondary schools.
- The drama stars Stephen Graham and Owen Cooper in a gripping family story.
‘Adolescence’ Rockets to No. 4 on Netflix’s All-Time English TV Rankings
The UK limited-series drama Adolescence has achieved a remarkable milestone, climbing to the No. 4 spot on Netflix’s Most Popular English TV list. The series, which debuted less than a month ago, has already surpassed major hits like Bridgerton Seasons 1 and 3, The Queen’s Gambit, and Fool Me Once, according to Netflix’s latest update.
A Rapid Rise to Popularity
Since its release, Adolescence has garnered over 114 million views, with 17.8 million of those coming just last week. This surge in viewership has not only secured its position at the top of Netflix’s weekly charts but also pushed it past several long-standing favorites in the streamer’s all-time rankings. For context, the series has outperformed other recent hits like Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer and Pulse, both of which debuted with strong numbers but couldn’t match Adolescence’s sustained momentum.
The Story Behind the Success
Adolescence tells the gripping story of a family thrown into turmoil when 13-year-old Jamie Miller, played by Owen Cooper, is arrested for the murder of a teenage girl from his school. Stephen Graham stars as Jamie’s father, Eddie Miller, who also serves as his “appropriate adult” during police investigations. The cast also includes Ashley Walters as Detective Inspector Luke Bascombe and Erin Doherty as Briony Ariston, a clinical psychologist assigned to Jamie’s case.
The series is a collaboration between creators Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne, known for their work on acclaimed projects like The Swimmers and Joy. Directed by Philip Barantini, Adolescence employs a unique one-shot filming technique for each episode, a hallmark of Barantini’s previous work on the feature film Boiling Point.
Educational Impact
One unique factor contributing to the series’ popularity is its availability in secondary schools across the UK. Netflix has partnered with educational institutions to stream Adolescence, leveraging its compelling narrative to spark discussions on critical social issues among students. This initiative has not only expanded the series’ audience but also highlighted its cultural and educational relevance.
Production and Creative Team
Adolescence is backed by a powerhouse production team, including executive producers Mark Herbert and Emily Feller for Warp Films, Stephen Graham and Hannah Walters for Matriarch Productions, and Jack Thorne for One Shoe Films. Hollywood heavyweights Brad Pitt, Jeremy Kleiner, Dede Gardner, and Nina Wolarsky from Plan B Entertainment also serve as executive producers, alongside co-executive producers Carina Sposato, Peter Balm, and Niall Shamma.
Jo Johnson takes on the role of producer, ensuring the series’ seamless execution and adherence to its creative vision.
What’s Next for ‘Adolescence’?
As Adolescence continues to climb Netflix’s charts, its success underscores the growing demand for high-quality, thought-provoking dramas. The series’ rapid ascent is a testament to its compelling storytelling, stellar performances, and innovative production techniques.
With its availability in schools and its resonance with audiences worldwide, Adolescence is poised to leave a lasting impact, both as a piece of entertainment and as a catalyst for meaningful conversations.
Sources: Netflix, The Hollywood Reporter