Netflix’s 4-Part Crime Thriller Is One Of Its Very Best

by

This gripping 4-part crime thriller, available on Netflix, is still considered one of the platform’s best series, even a year after its release. It received widespread praise from critics, won many Emmy Awards, and became a huge hit for Netflix, solidifying its place as a truly exceptional and award-winning show.

The series, called Adolescence, was created by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne, and features Graham, Ashley Waters, and Owen Cooper, who delivered an astonishing Emmy-winning performance as the troubled teenager Jamie Miller – all the more remarkable as it was his first acting role. Adolescence aimed to be disturbing, but its impressive technical aspects, particularly filming each episode in a single, continuous shot, made it even more captivating.

Netflix’s Adolescence Is So Good, It May Never Be Outdone

I’m completely hooked on Adolescence – it’s already my pick for the best new show of 2025, and honestly, I don’t think the praise will ever be enough! The story itself is gripping – it centers around a 13-year-old accused of murder, and watching the investigation unfold is just terrifying. But what really makes Adolescence special is how they brought it to life. The casting is perfect, and they weren’t afraid to take risks with the way it looks and how the actors performed. It could have been just another crime show, but those choices elevated it to something truly amazing.

As a huge fan of filmmaking, I honestly think Adolescence is a game-changer. It’s set such a high bar that I’m not sure anything – even a big-budget Netflix series – will be able to top it. Any show that tries to copy its single-take style will immediately be compared, and they’ll really have to bring something extra – maybe more episodes or a more gripping story – to avoid just seeming like a copycat. I don’t think Adolescence will be the only show capable of pulling off this kind of production, but anything similar will definitely be under the microscope and face tough comparisons.

A second season of Adolescence is a possibility, but wasn’t initially planned. The show’s popularity has led to discussions about continuing the story, but it would likely need to maintain the same look and feel as the first season. However, Netflix hasn’t confirmed a second season, possibly because they’re worried it won’t be able to recapture the success of the original – it’s difficult to repeat a hit like that.

Why Adolescence Is Netflix’s Best Crime Thriller Series Ever

Even if Adolescence doesn’t get a second season, the 4-part Netflix series is exceptional – truly the streamer’s best original crime thriller. It’s hard to judge the show without acknowledging the difficult production; a single mistake – a flubbed line, a missed cue, or a camera error – could ruin an entire scene, and even an entire episode.

The show filmed several versions of each episode, and while each had its problems and strengths, the final result is truly exceptional, going beyond typical crime dramas or even what we expect from Netflix shows – it really pushes the boundaries of television. However, the difficult subject matter – a harsh look at a troubling reality – might not appeal to everyone, and many viewers may not want to re-watch it, or even watch it once.

This series is intensely unsettling and often sad, but ultimately rewarding – much like HBO’s Chernobyl. Despite being difficult to watch or revisit, it remains Netflix’s best crime series. Adolescence flawlessly combines strong writing, production, and performance, making it a standout title in Netflix’s collection.

Read More

2026-03-18 00:48