*Netflix’s “Adolescence” has made a major impact, debuting as the platform’s most-watched TV show of the week after its release on March 13, 2025.
The limited series, which consists of four hour-long episodes, garnered an impressive 24.3 million views through March 16, outpacing recent hits like “The Night Agent” Season 2 (13.9 million views) and “Zero Day” (19.1 million views), TheWrap reports. Despite its strong debut, “Adolescence” was narrowly beaten by “The Electric State,” which achieved 25.2 million views, making it Netflix’s most-watched movie of the week.
The series stands out not only for its gripping narrative but also for its innovative filming technique. Each episode is shot in a continuous, unbroken take—an approach that has left viewers in awe. The show follows a 13-year-old boy accused of murder, plunging his family into a whirlwind of tension and drama. This unique filming style was chosen to deepen the viewer’s immersion into the unfolding events.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Adolescence,” captivated by its gripping storyline and emotional performances. However, the real standout is 15-year-old Owen Cooper, whose portrayal of teenage murder suspect Jamie Miller is nothing short of remarkable—especially considering this is his first acting credit. Cast at just 13, Cooper’s performance showcases incredible depth and maturity, solidifying him as the breakout star of the series.
First acting job.
First episode to be filmed.
First time being on set.
AND HE DELIVERS THIS!Owen Cooper, you’re a star. #Adolescence pic.twitter.com/dL9fvDuGdF
— Netflix UK & Ireland (@NetflixUK) March 20, 2025
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“Everyone’s been saying such nice things,” Cooper told Variety. “My agent has seen it and she said it was really good. I don’t know what it is, but I don’t really watch it like I’m watching a normal show. I just watch it because I’m in it.”
Director Philip Barantini, known for his work on “Boiling Point,” discussed the extensive preparation involved in pulling off this one-shot technique. The entire crew was involved in meticulous rehearsals and tech run-throughs to ensure each shot was flawless.
“We have three weeks for one episode. Our first week is spent literally walking through scene by scene,” shared actor Ashley Walters, per Metro.
The storytelling method brings an extra layer of tension to “Adolescence.” As Barantini explained, the goal was to create a “subconscious anxiety” in viewers, making them feel as though they were living through the story. This intense approach empowers the actors, allowing them to deliver performances that feel more real and immediate, according to writer Jack Thorne.
Episode 3 was the first episode to be filmed, and #Adolescence was also Owen Cooper’s first acting job – which means this episode was the first time he’d ever been on a set. ? pic.twitter.com/ZquN6QEd5J
— Netflix UK & Ireland (@NetflixUK) March 18, 2025
“It’s just that relentlessness of a ticking clock. We wanted to just dip the audience in for an hour in this particular moment in time, dip them back out again, and then put them in a few months later and let them work it out themselves,” Barantini said.
“I think what it does is it creates an extra layer of tension and a subconscious anxiety that you wouldn’t necessarily get from a conventional drama.”
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