Why ‘Adolescence’ Is a Must-Watch for Today’s Generation

Netflix’s latest series, Adolescence, has ignited conversations across the world, delving deep into issues that are both contemporary and timeless. The four-part limited series, shot in a single take, follows the harrowing case of a 13-year-old British schoolboy arrested for the murder of his female classmate. Beyond the tragedy, the show opens a critical discussion on childhood, masculinity, parenting, and the overwhelming influence of social media in shaping young minds.

For centuries, the transition from childhood to adolescence has been a complex, often turbulent phase. But today, with the omnipresence of social media, the challenges of growing up have taken on new dimensions. The pressures of fitting in, seeking validation, and navigating societal expectations weigh heavily on young people, and Adolescence captures this struggle with heartbreaking realism.

The protagonist, Jamie Miller, played with raw intensity by Owen Cooper, is not just a boy accused of a horrific crime; he is a symbol of the fragility of youth in the digital age. One of the most gut-wrenching moments in the series comes when Jamie, months into custody, looks at a visiting psychologist and asks, “Do you like me?” It’s a simple question but one that encapsulates a generation’s desperate need for acceptance.

Likeability has become a currency in the digital world, where every post, every picture, every interaction is scrutinized for approval. Jamie’s journey reveals how an impressionable young mind, struggling to define itself, can be influenced by external forces beyond its control. Social media, often hailed as a tool for connection, can also become a space of relentless judgment. Jamie is called an “incel” by a girl online, and with just a few jeering emojis, his self-worth is questioned. How does a teenager process that? How many other young people, facing similar ridicule, struggle in silence?

The show does not provide easy answers, nor does it allow viewers the comfort of detachment. It grips you from the start and does not let go, its tension unrelenting. The police procedural elements serve their purpose, but they are secondary to the emotional weight carried by Jamie’s parents, played brilliantly by Stephen Graham and Christine Tremarco. Their performances bring to life the agony of parents caught in a nightmare, wondering if they did enough. They thought their son was safe in his room, but they had no idea of the dangerous narratives he was absorbing online.

This is where Adolescence shines—not just as a crime drama but as a social commentary on the modern world. The show raises urgent questions about how much influence social media and digital personalities have over vulnerable minds. How do parents recognize the warning signs? How much of their own upbringing—where a slap or two was considered normal—shapes their responses to their children? And most critically, how do we detach toxicity from masculinity?

Masculinity, in many ways, forms the backbone of Adolescence. It explores the confusion and conflict young boys face as they step into adolescence. Without proper guidance, where do they learn how to navigate rejection, emotions, and expectations? If asking a girl out is a risk, and rejection feels like humiliation, where does that leave a boy? If he is mocked for his lack of confidence, what choices remain? These are difficult questions, ones that need addressing in homes and classrooms alike.

The final episode is devastating in its simplicity. Jamie’s parents sit together, drained, asking themselves if they could have done something different. It is a moment of deep reflection, not just for them but for anyone watching. The show does not pass judgment but forces us to confront uncomfortable realities.

Ultimately, Adolescence is not just about a crime—it is about the structures that shape young minds. It is about the invisible pressures that push some towards tragic outcomes. It is a reminder that in today’s world, where social media can amplify insecurities and societal expectations weigh heavier than ever, young people need more guidance, understanding, and support.

This is why Adolescence should not just be watched; it should be discussed, dissected, and understood. It holds up a mirror to society, asking us to look beyond the headlines and truly examine what it means to grow up in this age. Few shows carry the weight and urgency of Adolescence, making it not just compelling television but essential viewing.