Stephen Graham stars in the series (Image: NETFLIX)
Adolescence, a gripping series unfolding in real-time through an ambitious one-shot sequence, is now streaming on . The plot revolves around the Miller family whose world is shattered when their son Jamie is accused of murdering a schoolmate.
Actor Stephen Graham, in his debut as a writer, co-penned the series with Jack Thorne and also produced it under his own banner, Matriarch. Speaking about the show, 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!’ And what’s happening here is an ordinary family’s worst nightmare.”
The series is helmed by Philip Barantini, who previously collaborated with Stephen on the award-winning short film and TV show, Boiling Point.
The unique continuous filming style – the one shot – was maintained for this series too, requiring the actors to undergo weeks of rehearsals with Philip to ensure flawless performances on the day of shooting.
Who is in the cast of Adolescence?
Eddie Miller – Stephen Graham
Stephen Graham is a 51 year old British actor hailing from Lancashire, known for his roles in Snatch and Gangs of New York. His career-defining role was Andrew “Combo” Gascoigne in the film This Is England.
The acclaimed actor was honoured with the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2023 New Year Honours for his contributions to drama, a tribute he dedicated to his mother who died in 2022. He is married to actress and producer Hannah Walters, and they share two children.
DI Luke Bascombe – Ashley Walters
Ashley Walters is a 42 year old British actor and rapper who gained fame as part of the UK garage group So Solid Crew. After the group disbanded in the early 2000s, he launched a solo studio album.
On the small screen, he’s best known for his role as drug dealer Dushane in the popular British crime drama Top Boy. He has four children from a previous relationship and currently resides in Herne Bay, Kent, with his wife, Danielle Walters, and their two children. His wife Danielle is an actress known for her roles in Chewing Gum, Top Boy and .
Briony Ariston – Erin Doherty
Erin Doherty is a 32 year old British actress recognised for her portrayal of a young Princess Anne in The Crown.
Audiences may also remember her as Becky in the drama Chloe and Clare in Reawakening. During her school years, she was a skilled footballer and was scouted by Chelsea Women, but when it came time to choose between football and acting, she opted for the latter.
Jamie Miller – Owen Cooper
Owen Cooper, playing Jamie Miller, makes his on-screen debut in Adolescence after training with The Drama Mob for the past two years. He submitted a tape and was subsequently invited for an audition in Manchester, which led to his first professional role.
The young student, who currently enjoys German and PE at school, just 15 years old and younger sibling to Ollie, 20, and Connor, 30, candidly shared his astonishment at being cast: “Well I was there with my mum and at that point there was a chance that I could play the role of Ryan [Jamie’s friend].”
He recallled the moment he got the news, not expecting to be the lead: “So when we sat down that was what we were expecting to hear. So when it was the role of Jamie I was like, ‘What?’ I’d been asleep in the car before we arrived and I’d only just woken up.”
Still in disbelief, he added, “I was on a different planet and just thought, ‘This is mad!'”
Don’t miss… [EXPLAINER]
Erin Doherty plays Briony Ariston (Image: NETFLIX)
Owen Cooper plays Jamie Miller (Image: NETFLIX)
Mandy Miller – Christine Termarco
Christine Termarco plays Mandy Miller, bringing her rich experience from projects such as The Leaving of Liverpool, Waterloo Road, Casualty, and Little Boy Blue.
Lisa Miller – Amélie Pease
Newcomer Amélie Pease takes on the role of Lisa Miller, having joined the Young Performers division at Articulate Agency.
DS Misha Frank – Faye Marsay
Faye Marsay, with her compelling portrayals in The White Queen, Fresh Meat, Need for Speed, Pride, Game of Thrones, and Black Mirror, stars as DS Misha Frank.
Adolescence is airing on