Adolescence has captured the attention of parents in the UK and US thanks to its take on a question no-one wants to face: What happens when a child is accused of killing another child?
The story makes it clear from the beginning that Jamie (Owen Cooper, in a star-making performance) really did take a kitchen knife and murder his classmate Katie. This isn't a whodunit. Instead of weaving mysteries, the show wants us to sympathize with Jamie's family and even with Jamie himself. What happened to make an adorable child commit murder? The answers are found in Jamie's access of misogynistic materials online. I don't have to tell any parents out there that this is an extremely worrying real-life issue.
Adolescence is also a technical marvel. Every episode was filmed in just one take (yes, even the one with the overhead drone shot), meaning the actors couldn't mess up or they'd have to go back to the beginning. And speaking of actors, everyone involved in this show delivers career-best performances.
Adolescence has an age rating of 15
Adolescence is rated 15 in the UK, meaning it's suitable for ages 15 and up but should not be watched by anyone younger. Let's go through the reasons why it earned that rating.
Sex and nudity: Jamie's psychologist (Erin Doherty) discusses sex with him in an uncomfortable scene. Another harrowing minute focuses on the face of Jamie's dad (Stephen Graham) as his son is strip-searched by the police. However, no actual sex or nudity is shown.
Violence and gore: Although the stabbing of Katie is technically shown, we only see it as blurs on security camera footage. One teenager beats another child up at school and there is a little blood. Jamie's dad throws a juvenile delinquent around after his van is vandalized
Language: There is a lot of bad language used in this show, and plenty of it comes out of the mouths of children. Jamie swears a lot, using the f word, and it's shocking to hear so much profanity coming out of such a young person.
Drinking and drugs: No drinking or drug-taking is shown.
Adolescence will give you plenty to talk about with older kids
If you have kids aged 15+, it's recommended you sit down and watch the show with them. Episode 2, which takes place in a school, is a good opportunity for you and your child to discuss any issues that have arisen at their own school. Bullying is unfortunately extremely common and Adolescence makes clear the devastation it leaves in its wake.
You can ask your teen questions as the show goes on. Why did Jamie feel like he was entitled to Katie? What elements of his dad's behavior - the dad is shown to have a bad temper - might Jamie have subconsciously copied? And what can be done for children like Jamie? Does he deserve to spend the rest of his life in prison? You can bring up the perspective of Katie, who doesn't feature as a character in her own right in the show. If Katie was a friend of your child, how would they (and you) want justice to be done?