Is 'Adolescence' based on a true story? Real-life events behind the Netflix drama

Netflix’s Adolescence is gripping viewers with its haunting portrayal of a family whose world is turned upside down when 13-year-old Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper) is accused of murder.

The four-episode crime drama, filmed in one-take, explores themes like incel culture, misogyny, and the online “manosphere" whilst also examining the emotional toll on Jamie's family and the detectives investigating the crime.

While the events in Adolescence are fictional, the series draws heavy inspiration from real-life incidents involving knife crime across the UK.

Co-creator Stephen Graham explained that his motivation came from a string of shocking attacks where young people were involved. 

“I read an article about a young boy stabbing a young girl,” Graham told The Independent. “Then, a few months later, there was another similar incident.” The star explained that these events deeply affected him, and he felt compelled to explore how external online influences can shape young minds.

He emphasized the importance of parents being “mindful” of the digital world’s impact on their children, stating that while parents and schools play key roles, there are other powerful influences that can have profound, and often negative, effects.

The talented cast includes Owen Cooper, in his debut role as Jamie, and Stephen Graham, who plays Jamie’s father, Eddie Miller, standing by his son during the ordeal. Ashley Walters portrays Detective Inspector Luke Bascombe, who leads the murder investigation, while Erin Doherty plays clinical psychologist Briony Ariston, assigned to help Jamie.

With a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, Adolescence is now available to watch on Netflix.