Movies

If you loved Netflix’s Adolescence, here are 6 other shows you should definitely watch now

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Adolescence is far more grown-up than its name might suggest.

As a captivated viewer, I can’t help but express my excitement for the gripping four-part series that follows the life of 13-year-old Jamie Miller, skillfully portrayed by Owen Cooper. This mesmerizing tale unfolds as Jamie is torn away from his familiar surroundings and finds himself behind bars, accused of a heartbreaking crime – the murder of a classmate he once knew. The star-studded cast includes Stephen Graham, Ashley Walters, and Erin Doherty, who’s known for her role in ‘The Crown’. This emotional rollercoaster promises to keep me glued to my screen!

Netflix’s newest crime drama brings Graham back to work with director Philip Barantini from ‘Boiling Point’. Similar to their past collaboration on ‘Adolescence’, this production too takes place in real-time, mirroring the storyline as the principal characters navigate their quest for truth.

Adolescence trails everyone involved, from relatives to the investigators probing a homicide, along with others who may seem unexpected. As they navigate through unexpected twists and turns, they find themselves venturing into some deeply troubling territories.

As a gamer, I gotta tell ya, “Adolescence” isn’t a walk in the park, but if you’re craving something in its league, here are some gripping suggestions that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat (and might even make you think). Just remember, we can’t promise there won’t be any need for post-viewing debriefs!

Boiling Point

A logical place to begin would be with “Boiling Point”. It’s another series directed by Philip Barantini, featuring Stephen Graham in a tense setting. However, unlike the police station, this time the action takes place in the high-pressure kitchen of an exclusive restaurant. Whether one finds this more challenging or not depends on personal perspective.

On this particular day, our head chef, Andy Jones, seems to be having a challenging time, similar to the character Eddie Miller in “Adolescence.” However, what makes the show captivating is witnessing him skillfully handle his difficulties, even with flaming pans and boiling pots that seem ready to explode at any moment.

Instead of drawing parallels between “Boiling Point” and “The Bear,” it’s essential to note that while they share a common setting and both feature stressed-chefs on the verge of breakdown, these shows possess distinct differences. For instance, one is British and the other American, but even beyond this, their narratives and storytelling styles are unique to each production. Additionally, if we’re being particular, “Boiling Point” was released earlier in time.

Toxic Town

At first glance, “Toxic Town” and “Adolescence” may not appear particularly alike, but they do share a common theme: both focus on working-class families. However, while “Adolescence” follows the struggles of teenagers, “Toxic Town” tells a story about mothers fighting for justice for their children. Contrary to “Adolescence”, “Toxic Town” offers a more heartwarming narrative, although it too can be challenging to watch at times.

Additionally, they share a common link as both series were written by Jack Thorne, who has also crafted numerous other TV dramas such as Kiri, The Virtues, and the This Is England franchise in the past.

If you enjoyed “Adolescence”, you might find Thorne’s other new Netflix series intriguing as well, despite the fact that they differ in certain aspects.

Best Interests

Regarding the work of Jack Thorne, another British television show you might want to explore following “Adolescence” is “Best Interests,” an earlier production from him that delves into a distinct form of parental hardship.

The miniseries tells the story of a couple, Nicci (played by Sharon Horgan) and Andrew (portrayed by Michael Sheen), whose daughter Marnie (Niamh Moriarty) has a unique type of muscular dystrophy. When a chest infection lands her in the hospital, doctors advise ending treatment and allowing her to pass away peacefully. However, Nicci and Andrew firmly object to this recommendation.

In unison, the duo tackle both legal disputes and moral conflicts as they strive to preserve their child’s life. Similar to the drama Adolescence, Best Interests presents a tender examination of the hardships parents experience when external factors beyond their control affect their family.

Criminal: UK

If you’ve got a curiosity about spending longer periods in a police interview room without actually being questioned, the Netflix show “Criminal” could satisfy that interest, particularly the British version. It has just two compact seasons that are simple to finish watching one after another.

The series unfolds entirely within a single room, serving as the headquarters for a skilled interrogation team from the Metropolitan Police. It’s reminiscent of police procedures depicted in shows like Adolescence. With an almost dramatic flair, Criminal demands your full attention, as every subtle action or movement could hold the key to unraveling the truth.

If you require further persuasion, let me share some accolades from the 2021 British Academy Television Awards: Kunal Nayyar was nominated for Best Supporting Actor, while Sophie Okonedo earned a nod for Best Supporting Actress. Once you’ve finished with this, I recommend exploring the various editions of Criminal, including those set in Spain, Germany, and France.

Glue

One fascinating aspect about the period of Adolescence lies in the concept that darkness, or simply put, wrongdoing, can hide even within seemingly ordinary settings. This theme was creatively examined by screenwriter Jack Thorne in a haunting manner as early as 2014 through Glue, a gripping E4 drama. In this production, the lifeless body of a young man is discovered beneath a tractor’s wheels in a secluded English village.

In this story, as Channel 4 labeled it, a mix of ambition, hope, darkness, and chaos resides; however, beneath the tranquil facade of a picturesque rural town lie unsettling mysteries. The teenagers who knew the deceased boy are harboring secrets, while the true extent of those involved in the events that led to his demise remains unclear.

Another fun and easy binge then, if you’re not too depressed after finishing Adolescence.

The Virtues

Speaking of uplifting fare, The Virtues will also grip you like a vice, refusing to let go.

Experiencing the powerful impact of this joint work by Shane Meadows and Stephen Graham is like witnessing the emotional turmoil of the character Joseph, portrayed by Graham himself. Joseph is a man grappling with sobriety, deeply distraught after his ex-partner takes their son to Australia.

Virtually speaking, have we shared that The Virtues is a challenging viewing experience? Importantly, it’s also an indispensable one. Approach it with minimal knowledge, but simply take our word for it when we say that fans of Adolescence will discover much to appreciate in this series.

Ok, “enjoy” might not be the right word, but you get the idea.

Adolescence is available on Netflix now.

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2025-03-14 15:20

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