The heart of the entertainment world is known for its love of uplifting stories, yet it equally hungers for raw, intense narratives. Netflix’s 2025 adaptation of a crime series has recently captured the attention of genre enthusiasts, proving to be a strategic success. A gripping tale centred on a young boy, which only recently made its way to audiences, has now shattered an astonishing record—one that not even Netflix could have anticipated unfolding in such a remarkable way.

Since its debut, Adolescence has commanded attention, captivating audiences with its chilling narrative. The horror, unfolding through the eyes of a young boy, has deeply intrigued viewers, leaving an undeniable impact on those who watch.

Netflix’s gripping drama Adolescence has made history in the UK television scene, becoming the first streaming series to dominate the nation’s weekly ratings. The acclaimed show surpassed major network staples like BBC’s The Apprentice and Death in Paradise, as confirmed by BARB. Its premiere episode amassed 6.45 million viewers, setting a new streaming benchmark beyond Fool Me Once’s 6.3 million in early 2024. Maintaining momentum, later episodes drew millions, consistently outperforming traditional TV favorites and solidifying its unprecedented success.

Premiered on March 13, Adolescence sparked global discussions with its gripping story of a 13-year-old accused of taking the life of a classmate. Praised for its seamless single-shot cinematography, the series intensifies its emotional weight. Variety’s Aramide Tinubu lauded it as a raw, thought-provoking exploration of masculinity and social media’s influence. Despite its streaming success, it still trails major UK broadcast hits like The Traitors and Mr Bates vs the Post Office. However, not all feedback has been positive, as some critics have taken issue with the show’s decision to alter the perpetrator’s race.

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With Adolescence’s success came criticism, as some viewers opposed the decision to change the perpetrator’s race from the real-life case, sparking debate and backlash over the show’s creative choices.

Netflix’s Adolescence has ignited controversy over claims that the show altered the perpetrator’s race. Critics argue that the series, centred on a 13-year-old accused of taking a life, changed the raider from a Black immigrant to a white British boy influenced by online radicalization. Some call this a deliberate misrepresentation, fueling debates on social media. Influencer Ian Miles Cheong and others have voiced concerns about bias, linking the show to real-life cases. As a result, many have grown curious about the true story behind Adolescence.

Influencer Ian Miles Cheong suggested that Adolescence drew inspiration from real-life incidents, including a case involving a British girl on a bus and the 2024 Southport incident, where three young children lost their lives during a Taylor Swift-themed event. The incident, involving 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana, led to widespread public outcry. However, the discussions, debates, and curiosity surrounding these claims have only heightened interest in the series, ultimately contributing to Adolescence, achieving record-breaking success.

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