Netflix’s new crime show, Adolescence, has received positive reviews from numerous critics and earned a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes. Helmed by Philip Barantini, the show debuted on the streaming platform on March 13, 2025. The limited series features a talented cast consisting of Owen Cooper, Erin Doherty, Stephen Graham, Ashley Walters, Faye Marsay, and many more.
Critics are loving Netflix’s Adolescence in their reviews
Adolescence, the four-episode show, has won over critics following its recent release on Netflix. They are praising the series for its powerful and heartbreaking storyline. The Barantini-directorial revolves around the emotional and intense journey of a small family whose lives take a turn when 13-year-old Jamie, played by Owen Cooper, is accused of killing his schoolmate.
The Mercury News’ Randy Myers lauded Stephen Graham, who has co-created the show and also played a part in it. He stated, “It’s powerful and finds Graham being a force in front of and behind the camera.”
Alan Sepinwall of Rolling Stone asserted that Adolescence is not an “easy watch” and added, “But in what Adolescence has to say, and in how eloquently and audaciously it says it, it’s also among the very best things — and an early contender for the best thing — you will see on the small screen this year.”
M. N. Miller of FandomWire stated that the show has “extraordinary power and rare insight.” He further talked about Graham’s performance in his review and wrote, “Adolescence is anchored by Stephen Graham’s towering performance of vulnerability. It hits with the force of a wrecking ball, leaving you shattered.”
Netflix’s Adolescence gets a perfect critic score on Rotten Tomatoes
On Rotten Tomatoes, Adolescence has earned a perfect score, receiving great reviews from critics. At the time of writing, the Netflix drama holds 100% on Tomatometer, based on 15 reviews.
Recently, Graham spoke to Tudum about the show and said, “We could have made a drama about gangs and knife crime, or about a kid whose mother is an alcoholic or whose father is a violent abuser. Instead, we wanted you to look at this family and think, ‘My God. This could be happening to us!’ And what’s happening here is an ordinary family’s worst nightmare.”
All episodes of the limited series are available to stream on Netflix.
