Quick Facts About Netflix's Adolescence: Where Was It Filmed, Is It Based On A True Story, And Is There A Season 2?

In a short span, Netflix's Adolescence has gripped audiences worldwide with its chilling and provocative depiction of a family's worst nightmare. Inspired by real-life cases, the four-episode series follows 13-year-old Jamie Miller, the prime suspect in the brutal murder of a female schoolmate. What unfolds is a harrowing exploration of male rage, fuelled by misogynistic social media content amplified by figures like Andrew Tate.

But what's the real story behind this chilling drama, and why is it going viral? Let's explore everything you need to know about Adolescence.

What's the Plot of Adolescence?

At the heart of the story is Jamie Miller, played by young actor Owen Cooper, who is arrested for stabbing his classmate Katie to death.

As the investigation progressed, the audience witnessed the show in real-time as it was filmed in one shot filming style. What unfolds after is Jamie's interrogation by the police, his family's emotional journey, and, eventually, the revelation of what happened.

Stephen Graham, who co-created the show alongside Jack Thorne, explains that the aim was to portray an ordinary family's worst nightmare. In a conversation with Tudum, he 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!'

The series is a commentary on the increase of violence involving young offenders, particularly knife crime, which is reportedly rising in the UK in recent years. In March 2023 alone, the Ministry of Justice reported that almost 18,500 knife-related crimes were either convicted or cautioned. Of these, 17.3% of offenders were between the ages of 10 and 17.

The Cast is an Ensemble of Powerful Performances

The show boasts a talented cast that brings its complex characters to life. Stephen Graham, who was previously seen in 'This Is England' and 'Boliling Point,' plays Jamie's father, Eddie Miller, who is disturbed by his son's involvement in the brutal crime.

Owen Cooper, a newcomer to the screen, takes on the challenging role of Jamie, and his performance has been lauded for its emotional depth. Other notable cast members include Ashley Walters as Detective Inspector Luke Bascombe, Erin Doherty as Briony Ariston, the clinical psychologist assigned to Jamie's case, Faye Marsay as Detective Sergeant Frank and Christine Tremarco as Manda Miller, Jamie's mother.

Where Was Adolescence Filmed?

According to Netflix, the show was primarily filmed in Pontefract, located in West Yorkshire, England. The location provided a visual translation of the show's raw and gritty atmosphere. Some key sets, such as the police station and interview rooms, were constructed in a former music studio near the filming area. The setting gave a passage to the real-time filming style coming to life, with the camera moving between locations without edits.

The director of the show, Philip Barantini, shed some light on filming in Pontefract, which was a decision influenced by Owen Cooper's background. 'We knew it was going to be set somewhere in the North of England, and we also knew it would be from somewhere around wherever our Jamie was from — in this case, near Warrington — because it would have been unfair to make him do an accent,' he said.

Is Adolescence Based On A True Story?

The show's creators have clarified that it is not directly based on an actual case, but the show's premise was inspired by several troubling reports Graham had encountered. It takes cues from the growing number of violent crimes involving young boys, particularly incidents where teenage boys have allegedly killed young girls.

Graham recalled being shocked by one such report, saying, 'There was an incident where a young boy [allegedly] stabbed a girl. It shocked me. I was thinking, 'What's going on? What's happening in society where a boy stabs a girl to death?' The creators of the show, during their research, became increasingly focused on the themes of male rage and social pressure, which are core factors behind these violent acts.

Jack Thorne added that they questioned themselves as men, fathers, and partners, noting, 'That is a journey I've never gone on as a writer before, and it scared me and excited me because it felt like we had something to say.'

During a London premiere of the show, Graham shared his thoughts on the central theme of the series, 'They're young boys. They're not men. And it really hurt my heart. For many different reasons. Predominantly as a father, but also, kind of, where we're at in society for this to happen.'

Will There Be a Season 2?

Given that the show is a limited series, its highly unlikely that Adolescence will see another season. Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne have confirmed that the story was always designed to end after four episodes. 'We knew that we wanted to end it in that room. We wanted the journey to finish where it began,' Graham said while talking about the show's ending.

However, due to the show's popularity, the fans are eager to see more development in the plot. Suggesting a second season from the point of view of Katie's family, one fan wrote on X, 'It would be great if Stephen Graham, etc could write series 2 from the murdered girl and her family's perspective. This is genuinely one of the best dramas I've seen... It should be shown from age 12 and in schools.'