12 TV Shows Like Adolescence You Need To Check Out

Every now and then, a series like “Adolescence” emerges. Over the course of only four episodes, this compelling narrative provides insights into the question of how a seemingly loving child with friends could transform into a murderer, yet leaves some questions unanswered. The show primarily focuses on Jamie Miller, the 13-year-old suspect (played by Owen Cooper), but also delves into his family members, school peers and educators, law enforcement officers who have accused him, and the psychologist attempting to understand his mental state.

From the outset, it’s clear that Jamie was responsible for the act; the intrigue lies in understanding his motivation. This is a quandary that Jamie must grapple with, alongside his friends, family, and viewers alike, as he transforms from an innocent adolescent into a terrifying figure and eventually returns to his original state.

Due to its powerful storyline and groundbreaking filming technique, using a single take for all four episodes, “Adolescence” has rapidly emerged as a cultural benchmark for portraying adolescents in our contemporary society. The series listed below share some aspects with “Adolescence,” such as being crime dramas like “Broadchurch” or “Mare of Easttown,” focusing on children involved in crimes, as seen in “Defending Jacob” and “When They See Us,” or featuring the star or director from “Adolescence,” as is the case with “Boiling Point.” Regardless of the connection, here are 12 TV shows similar to “Adolescence” that you should definitely watch.

Broadchurch

The BAFTA-winning show “Broadchurch” is similar to “Adolescence,” being a British crime series, but it focuses on the murder of an 11-year-old boy named Danny Latimer (Oskar McNamara). The story revolves around Detective Inspector Alec Hardy (David Tennant) and Detective Sergeant Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman), who work together to solve the case in a small, fictional town that was filmed in various locations.

In its initial installment, “Broadchurch” shares some thematic similarities with the film “Adolescence,” as the town grapples with profound sorrow following a tragic murder. However, unlike “Adolescence,” which is shorter and focuses primarily on internal struggles, “Broadchurch” expands its scope. It delves into the family of the deceased boy, the media covering the story, the local clergy (Arthur Darvill), Ellie’s relatives, and various other townsfolk, offering a more comprehensive look at the community.

In the course of Alec and Ellie’s investigation, numerous individuals find themselves under scrutiny, and various secrets are uncovered along the way. Some of these revelations lead to dire outcomes that bear no connection to the murder case. However, the most shocking truth is saved for the climax: the true identity of the murderer. The British series, which has an American adaptation titled “Gracepoint” with Tennant in a comparable role, is highly recommended. While both shows share several similarities, it’s worth watching the original; its quality surpasses that of the American version.

Baby Reindeer

Netflix’s ‘Baby Reindeer,’ similar to ‘Adolescence,’ is a challenging yet rewarding series to watch. It’s an autobiographical fiction written and played by Richard Gadd, portraying the character Donny, a London pub bartender with dreams of becoming a comedian. Donny captures Martha’s (Jessica Gunning) interest after offering her a complimentary cup of tea.

Martha becomes obsessed with him, constantly texting him, following him in person, and ultimately securing a spot at a bus stop opposite his home. When someone queries why he doesn’t involve the authorities, Donny recalls his past with Darrien (Tom Goodman-Hill), a well-known TV writer who drugged and sexually violated him. Although Donny eventually ceased visiting Darrien’s apartment, the psychological impact lingered, so when something similar transpires with Martha, Donny chooses to ignore it instead.

Watching ‘The Tale of Young Reindeer’ may be disturbing, especially if you are aware of its real-life background; however, it can also be enlightening if you can bear the harsh truths it reveals. Despite the debate over whether it is a true account or based on one, this series offers a deep exploration of emotional, psychological, and sexual abuse issues.

Sharp Objects

The television series “Sharp Objects,” based on Gillian Flynn’s novel, revolves around a journalist named Camille Preaker returning to her small-town home of Wind Gap, Missouri, to investigate a grisly crime. Despite being a professional reporter, Camille is an alcoholic and has just been discharged from a mental health facility. Her struggles appear to stem largely from her mother, Adora Crellin (played by Patricia Clarkson), who presents as a charming socialite in the town, but is actually a monstrous figure towards her daughter.

Despite spending time in Wind Gap, Camille moves to live with Adora, her stepfather Alan (Henry Czerny), and her teenage half-sister Amma. However, Adora consistently expresses her disapproval towards her daughter during their stay.

As a gaming enthusiast, diving into both “Adolescence” and “Sharp Objects” offers a gripping tale where the crime and family dynamics intertwine, albeit in unique ways. The enigma surrounding Camille’s family dominates the narrative for much of “Sharp Objects,” only unveiling the crime’s depth around the halfway mark. Interestingly, it’s the family saga that takes the limelight until the climax, when the threads converge in a way that leaves you spellbound. The accolades bestowed upon “Sharp Objects,” including Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, are well-deserved, as witnessing this masterpiece will leave you in awe.

Criminal: United Kingdom

If you enjoyed the police interrogation scenes in the initial episode of “Adolescence,” you’ll find delight in the entire show “Criminal: United Kingdom.” The series solely revolves around police interrogations. Moreover, there are separate adaptations of this program in France, Spain, and Germany, all filmed in their native languages. As an anthology series, each episode centers around the interrogation of a unique suspect.

In this show, the narrative seldom strays far from the interrogation room or the observation area separated by glass. Once the suspect enters an elevator and leaves, they’re never heard from again. Yet, despite this, it manages to creep into your consciousness in a rather unsettling way.

As a devoted viewer, I can’t help but be intrigued by every character under scrutiny in this gripping series, for each one has a tale to spin. Yet, it’s the interrogator who decides whether their narrative is truth or fiction woven from threads of imagination. Remarkably, they usually catch their quarry… mostly so. With an illustrious cast gracing our screens, featuring the likes of David Tennant, Hayley Atwell, and Kit Harrington, each episode presents a fresh suspect. As I watch, I find myself constantly second-guessing, even as the detectives remain stationary within the confines of the interrogation room and its immediate vicinity, tirelessly piecing together the puzzle.

The End of the F***ing World

In “The End of the Fing World,” seventeen-year-old James (Alex Lawther) comes to believe he’s a psychopath. He begins by slaughtering numerous animals, but soon grows weary and seeks the thrill of attempting to kill a human. Thus, he selects Alyssa (Jessica Barden), a rebellious classmate with an abusive stepfather, as his target for this “distinction.” On a particularly wretched day with her stepfather, Alyssa proposes they flee together, and James consents, secretly hoping to find a chance to harm her during their escape.

This scenario might not appear funny at first glance, but surprisingly, it’s both humorous and heart-wrenching. It serves as an excellent counterbalance to “Adolescence,” though be warned that it delves into some graphic elements typical of the series. Similar to “Adolescence,” “The End of the Fing World” focuses on young characters involved in murder, but its tone is vastly distinct. While it’s quirkier and funnier, it still addresses themes such as the hardships of adolescence, the struggles of connecting with others, the effects of trauma, and the complexities of love in a profound manner.

Mare of Easttown

In “Mare of Easttown,” Kate Winslet brilliantly portrays the title character, a former high school basketball star turned detective for her local police department, who carries a distinct Delco accent throughout the series. Mare is tasked with investigating the murder of a young mother (Cailee Spaeny), which serves as the central plotline. However, this show offers much more depth beyond just this case.

In the restricted television show, centered around Mare’s complicated personal and professional issues, Mare finds herself dealing with numerous challenges, primarily the suicide of her son, Kevin (played by Cody Kostro), and a custody dispute with Kevin’s girlfriend, Carrie (Sosie Bacon), over their grandson, Drew (Izzy King). However, Mare’s detective abilities are also under scrutiny due to her inability to solve the mystery of the missing girl, Katie (portrayed by Caitlin Houlahan), for more than a year.

In a similar vein, “Mare of Easttown” blends crime investigation with family dynamics, much like “Adolescence.” This captivating series has earned numerous award nominations and garnered Emmy wins for performances by Kate Winslet, Evan Peters, and Julianne Nicholson. Reminiscent of “Adolescence,” this show is a must-watch that will keep audiences enthralled on their screens.

Yellowjackets

The TV series titled “Yellowjackets” has already completed three seasons and is currently preparing for its fourth season. Throughout its run, the show has grown increasingly dark, a development that was hinted at from the very first episode. In this opening scene, we witness a girl being trapped and taken away by a group of individuals, who turn out to be members of a high school girls’ soccer team. This chilling introduction foreshadows the series’ focus, similar to “Adolescence,” which is not so much on the events themselves but on the reasons behind them.

Yellowjackets” is a series that weaves together two narratives: The first, set in 1996, follows a soccer team known as the Yellowjackets whose plane crashes in a wilderness while en route to a national championship. The second timeline unfolds 25 years later, when the survivors of that incident gather again and continue to grapple with the aftermath of their harrowing experience. Both storylines demonstrate an exceptional use of music in television production.

The TV series “Yellowjackets” offers many enigmas regarding actions taken and motives behind them, yet it’s always clear that their past involves cannibalism if they reappear in the modern day. What makes this show exceptional is the gradual unveiling of the extent of their suffering. Although we learn they were saved, it’s evident that the 19-month forest ordeal still haunts them 25 years on. It masterfully portrays the impact of both past and present traumas.

Boiling Point

Boiling Point,” a four-part miniseries inspired by the film of the same name, primarily focuses on the high-pressure world of a posh restaurant in England, with its staff and chefs at the heart of the story. In terms of theme, it bears a closer resemblance to the kitchen-centric series “The Bear” rather than “Adolescence.” However, one of the lead actors, Stephen Graham, is involved in both the creation of “Boiling Point” and “Adolescence.” Furthermore, Philip Barantini, who directed “Adolescence,” has also helmed both the movie and TV adaptation of “Boiling Point,” which suggests a familial connection between these two productions.

As a gamer, I’d say it like this: “In my gaming world, both ‘Boiling Point’ and its TV adaptation share a cinematic style, with continuous shots reminiscent of the iconic long takes seen in entire episodes of ‘Adolescence’. Yet, they’re not just similar visually, they also delve deep into heavy themes, offering no-holds-barred explorations of the tough realities faced by their characters. In the realm of ‘Boiling Point’, that translates to a narrative where the struggling restaurant, Point North, is just one of many challenges our characters have to navigate.

In this dynamic setting of Point North, the chief cook, Carly (Vinette Robinson), grapples with her mother’s illness; the pastry chef, Jamie (Stephen McMillan), engages in self-harm; kitchen workers Jake (Daniel Larkai) and Holly (Hannah Traylen), due to having their work hours reduced, resort to illegal actions; the head pastry chef, Emily (Aine Rose Daly), turns to alcohol; and Andy (Graham), a former chef from another restaurant, seeks reconciliation with Carly for past workplace indiscretions. This volatile mix is further exacerbated by the high-stakes nature of their work at Point North.

Unbelievable

The critically acclaimed miniseries “Unbelievable” is loosely based on real events involving a serial rapist, with one of his victims’ experiences being portrayed. In 2008, Marie Adler (played by Kaitlyn Dever), a woman who had previously been in foster care, reports to the police that she was raped. However, the officers doubt her story and suspect her of lying about the incident.

In 2011, Detective Karen Duvall (Merritt Wever), who’s investigating a sexual assault case, learns from her husband Max (Austin Hebert), who works at another precinct, that Detective Grace Rasmussen (Toni Collette) is handling a case with similarities to hers. After an initial clash, Duvall and Rasmussen join forces to uncover the culprit. The investigation leads them as far back as 2008, where a photograph of Marie confirms her account of the assault, thereby revealing the truth.

Both “Unbelievable” and “Adolescence” are gripping narratives that delve into the intricate process of solving crimes and the grueling police work required. While both share this commonality, “Unbelievable” uniquely highlights the struggle faced by Marie due to disbelief from some officers, emphasizing the varying levels of trust placed in victims and suspects. This series is incredibly impactful, often unsettling — and even more so because it’s based on a true story.

When They See Us

The Netflix series “When They See Us” centers around the Central Park jogger case of 1989, where a white woman was brutally assaulted and raped in New York City’s Central Park. Five African American and Hispanic teenagers were wrongly accused, tried, and convicted for this crime, similar to the young boy charged in “Adolescence.” However, unlike the fictional story, these real-life teenagers were innocent. Known as the Central Park Five, they spent years in prison before being exonerated in 2002 when the actual perpetrator was discovered.

The four-part miniseries, crafted by Ava DuVernay, delves into a harrowing narrative. One of the original five suspects, Korey Wise, experiences an extremely harsh ordeal, serving prison time instead of a juvenile detention center. Jharrel Jerome earned an Emmy for his poignant portrayal of Wise, and the series, meticulously detailing the case, was nominated for numerous other awards. In 2003, the Central Park Five filed a lawsuit for wrongful conviction, but even though the city reached a settlement in 2014 — as depicted in the series — the five still grapple with the emotional scars of their imprisonment.

13 Reasons Why

As a gamer, I’d say: “Just like ‘Adolescence,’ ’13 Reasons Why’ delves into themes of bullying, peer pressure, and oblivious parents – experiences that feel all too familiar in the teenage world. In this show, my character isn’t solving murders but unraveling a mystery surrounding the suicide of Hannah Baker (Katherine Langford), a girl I had feelings for. When I find a box of tapes at my door, recorded by Hannah herself, I embark on a journey to understand why she took her life and how those around her played a part in it.

The recordings reveal why Hannah chose to take her own life, covering her disillusionments, such as Jessica (played by Alisha Boe) accusing Hannah of causing her split with Alex (Miles Heizer), and her traumatic experience of being raped by a fellow student. This is a disturbing narrative, albeit told in a Young Adult format, that includes mature topics, not least the graphic depiction of Hannah’s suicide. As the series progresses, we see Hannah transform from a relatively typical, if troubled, teenager into someone who appears lost, depressed, and shattered. It’s an emotionally taxing viewing experience, but its authentic feel makes it a compelling watch.

Defending Jacob

Defending Jacob” shares similarities with stories about adolescence, but with a twist – the evidence against the child, Jacob Barber (played by Jaeden Martell), is not as clear-cut as it often appears in such tales. The narrative, adapted from William Landay’s book, revolves around Jacob and his parents, Andy (portrayed by Chris Evans) and Laurie (Michelle Dockery). Andy finds himself in a predicament when his son is accused of murder, given that he is an assistant district attorney initially assigned to the case. However, as events unfold, young Jacob ends up being charged for the crime.

The show, contrastingly to “Adolescence,” explores the difficulty parents face in understanding their kids, especially during the social media age. For instance, Jacob frequently shares questionable content online, but this doesn’t automatically make him a murderer. Characters like Andy and Laurie struggle to accept this reality, with Laurie being particularly affected. Her uncertainty about the truth behind the crime takes a troubling turn. The core theme of the series revolves around knowing what transpired (the ‘what’), but not the reasons or who is responsible for the crime (the ‘why’ and ‘who’). This unsettling blend leaves viewers to form their own interpretations.

If you’ve experienced sexual assault, are battling with addiction problems, or find yourself in a difficult situation or crisis, please reach out to the following resources for assistance:

1. RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) – 800-656-HOPE (4673)
2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
3. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Remember, you are not alone and help is available.

Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN’s National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org

2025-07-26 13:32