Teen Drama Finale on Netflix Divides Fans: Here’s Why!

“Adolescence” is a British miniseries that has captivated critics. However, some Netflix subscribers were left wanting more. Here’s what you need to understand about the series.

Since its release on Thursday, March 13, 2025, Adolescence has topped the Netflix charts for current series. This acclaim is well-deserved: created by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne, the show is a masterpiece both in terms of its themes and execution. It delves into the mechanisms of toxic masculinity, what it’s like to grow up at age 13 in today’s all-digital society, and the divide between today’s teenagers and their parents. The series consists of four episodes, each shot in a single continuous take, filmed in real-time without any breaks, enhancing the viewer’s immersion.

While critics (ourselves included) have lauded this blend of substance and style, Adolescence has not won over every subscriber. On social media, some expressed their disappointment with the series’ conclusion. It’s important to note that the series opens with the arrest of Jamie, a 13-year-old boy accused of murdering a classmate. While some might expect a typical crime drama focused on the investigation and resolution of the murder, the series intentionally does not follow this path. The investigation is not the focal point of this Netflix series. Below, we explain what you need to understand about the series and its finale. Be warned, spoilers follow.

Explaining Adolescence (with spoilers)

Adolescence does not attempt to obscure the murder for which Jamie is accused. Although he denies responsibility for a long time and the beginning of the series deliberately casts doubt, conclusive evidence of his guilt is presented at the end of the first episode: a surveillance video showing him killing his classmate. Yes, Jamie did kill Katie. While uncertainties remain and characters, including his parents, continue to harbor doubts, Jamie’s guilt is definitively established, and the series does not need to further explore the investigative findings. The series finale, in which Jamie tells his parents he will plead guilty, confirms his responsibility for the murder and his readiness to face the consequences.

Netflix subscribers looking for a new crime series with twists and mystery may likely be disappointed. However, it’s important to understand that Adolescence is not about who committed the crime or how it was done, but rather about the “why,” and more importantly, “how did it come to this.”

The main theme of the series, hinted at in the title, explores what truly goes on in the minds of today’s teenagers. Episode 2 highlights the gap between how adults perceive children and their actual daily realities, especially in school or online. Episode 4 sheds light on the divide between parents and teenagers through the struggles of Jamie’s family, particularly his father who wonders what he might have missed in raising his child.

The motivations of the young man are further explored in episodes 2 and 3. Jamie suffers from bullying, lacks self-confidence, and harbors feelings of shame and anger towards women, particularly Katie. This leads to one of the series’ strong themes: masculinity, specifically toxic masculinity. Jamie is a child who is bullied but subscribes to the beliefs of the incels (men who define themselves as unable to find a romantic partner due to women themselves and who are involuntarily celibate).

The last episode of the series, more intimate yet poignant, shows that what happens to Jamie and his family could happen to anyone: the teenager grew up in a normal, loving family surrounded by positive influences. The parents take responsibility for their child’s actions, and the father questions what he could have done better to prevent the tragedy. To which the mother responds that there was nothing more he could have done. Their daughter is well-adjusted and likely to succeed. However, they remain accountable for their child’s actions, hence the father’s apology to his son’s teddy bear in the final scene.

What is the plot of the series Adolescence?

In Adolescence, 13-year-old Jamie Miller is arrested for the murder of a classmate. This event turns the life of his entire family, who otherwise led an ordinary life, upside down. Designated as the “responsible adult” during his son’s custody, Eddie Miller dives into a nightmare… Is his son truly guilty, or is it a miscarriage of justice? As Detective Luke Bascombe leads the investigation, a psychologist evaluates Jamie. Will they uncover what really happened? And how does one recover from such a tragedy?

Who are the actors in Adolescence?

• Owen Cooper: Jamie Miller
• Stephen Graham: Eddie Miller
• Ashley Walters: Luke Bascombe
• Erin Doherty: Briony Ariston
• Faye Marsay: Misha Frank
• Christine Tremarco: Manda Miller
• Mark Stanley: Paul Barlow

Where can you stream Adolescence?

If you want to dive into the gripping narrative of the four episodes of Adolescence, head over to Netflix. To subscribe to the streaming platform, there are three options: a basic subscription with ads (5.99 euros per month), a standard subscription without ads (13.49 euros per month), or the premium package (19.99 euros per month).