Unpacking the Confusing Finale of Netflix’s Hit Teen Series!

The British miniseries has taken the number one spot on Netflix just a week after its release. However, not everyone may have grasped all the nuances of the series. Here are our insights.

Adolescence has been a significant hit since it debuted on Netflix on March 13, 2025. In just one week, it has amassed over 24 million views worldwide and continues to top the platform’s current series rankings. The acclaim is well-deserved: this powerful work by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne is remarkable both in its themes and execution. It intricately explores the dynamics of toxic masculinity, what it’s like to grow up at 13 in today’s digital society, and the divide between today’s teens and their parents—all in four episodes, each shot in a single take in real-time, without any breaks, enhancing the immersion.

This deep and formally innovative series has been praised by critics (including us), but not all subscribers were convinced. On social media, some expressed their disappointment with the series’ ending. It’s important to remember that the series starts with the arrest of Jamie, a 13-year-old boy accused of murdering a classmate. While some might expect a conventional crime series focusing on the investigation and solving of the murder, that’s not the case. The investigation isn’t the focus of this Netflix program. Below, we’ll explain what you need to understand about the series and its finale. Be aware, the following contains spoilers.

All About Adolescence (With Spoilers)

Is Jamie Guilty?

Adolescence does not attempt to keep the murder Jamie is accused of a mystery. While he long denies responsibility and the series initially casts doubt, the definitive proof of his guilt is revealed at the end of the first episode: a surveillance video showing him killing his classmate Katie. Yes, Jamie did kill Katie. While uncertainties remain and characters, including his parents, continue to harbor doubts, Jamie’s guilt is established and the series does not need to dwell further on the findings of the investigation. The series finale, where Jamie tells his parents he will plead guilty, is the ultimate confirmation of his deeds (and his readiness to face the consequences).

Why Did Jamie Kill Katie?

The young man’s motives are further revealed in episodes 2 and 3. Jamie suffers from bullying, lacks self-confidence, and feels both shame and anger towards women, particularly Katie. This leads to one of the series’ strong themes: masculinity, specifically toxic masculinity. Jamie, who is bullied by Katie among others, 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). When Katie rejects him, he commits the unthinkable.

What Is the Series Really About?

Netflix subscribers looking for a new crime series with twists and mystery might be disappointed. But it’s essential to understand that Adolescence is not about identifying the culprit or how the murder was committed, but rather the “why,” and more importantly, the “how did it come to this.”

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

How to Understand the Final Episode?

The series’ last episode, more intimate yet moving, 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 differently to prevent the tragedy. To which the mother responds that there was nothing more he could do. The proof, their daughter is well-balanced and likely to succeed. Yet, they remain accountable for their son’s actions, hence the father’s apology to his son’s stuffed animal in the final scene.

What is the Plot of Adolescence?

In Adolescence, 13-year-old Jamie Miller is arrested for the murder of a classmate. His family, leading an ordinary life until then, is thrust into turmoil. Designated as the “responsible adult” for his son’s custody, Eddie Miller plunges into a nightmare… Is his son truly guilty, or is it a miscarrial of justice? As Inspector 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 Cast Members of 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 to Watch Adolescence Streaming?

If you want to dive into the gripping storyline 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 per month), a standard subscription without ads ($13.49 per month), or the premium plan ($19.99 per month).