Netflix has a new champion in town, and it’s none other than the British limited series Adolescence. In just under a month, this gripping drama has climbed to the No. 4 spot on Netflix’s all-time most popular English-language TV list, racking up an impressive 114 million views. This meteoric rise has left fan favorites like Bridgerton Season 2 and Stranger Things Season 3 in its dust, marking a surprising shift in the streaming giant’s rankings.
Hold onto your seats—Adolescence isn’t just a flash in the pan; it’s rewriting Netflix history with a story that’s got everyone talking!
What’s Behind Adolescence’s Record-Breaking Run
Adolescence, a four-part series that hit Netflix on March 13, 2025, has taken the world by storm. Created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, the show follows Jamie Miller, a 13-year-old boy played by newcomer Owen Cooper, who faces arrest for the suspected murder of his classmate, Katie Leonard. Directed by Philip Barantini, each episode unfolds in a single continuous take, pulling viewers into an intense and emotional journey.
The series kicked off with 96.7 million views in its first 17 days, landing at No. 9 on Netflix’s most popular English-language TV list. This early success pushed Stranger Things Season 3, with 94.8 million views, to No. 10 and bumped Bridgerton Season 2, with 93.8 million views, off the list entirely.
But Adolescence didn’t stop there. By April 6, it had soared to 114 million views in just 24 days, overtaking heavyweights like Bridgerton Season 1 (113.3 million views), Bridgerton Season 3 (106 million views), and The Night Agent Season 1 (98.2 million views). Now sitting at No. 4, it trails only Wednesday Season 1 (252.1 million views), Stranger Things Season 4 (140.7 million views), and Dahmer: Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story (115.6 million views).
The show’s weekly performance is just as jaw-dropping. Between March 24 and 30, it pulled in 30.4 million views, topping Netflix’s English TV charts and hitting the Top 10 in all 93 countries where rankings are available. From March 31 to April 6, it added another 17.8 million views, keeping its No. 1 spot on the weekly list.
What’s fueling this runaway success? The series’ raw storytelling, standout performances, and unique filming style have hooked viewers worldwide. Plus, with over two months left in its 91-day premiere window, Adolescence could climb even higher.
A Stellar Cast and a Gripping Story
Adolescence isn’t just about numbers—it’s about a story that hits hard. The series stars Stephen Graham as Eddie Miller, Jamie’s father, alongside a talented cast including Ashley Walters as DI Luke Bascombe, Erin Doherty as Briony Ariston, Faye Marsay, and Christine Tremarco as Manda Miller. At its heart is Owen Cooper, whose portrayal of the troubled teen has earned widespread praise.
The plot dives into heavy themes—youth crime, justice, and family struggles. It follows Jamie’s arrest and the fallout that tears his family apart. As the trial unfolds, Jamie’s guilty plea forces his parents to face tough questions about their role in his life.
The show’s one-take filming adds a layer of intensity, making every moment feel real and urgent. Critics have given it a near-perfect 99% on Rotten Tomatoes, calling it powerful and heartbreaking. Viewers agree, with posts on X echoing the buzz:
“Adolescence Is #1 on Netflix—and It’s Got the Manosphere Shook,” wrote one user, linking to a YouTube discussion.
“New king on the block! Adolescence topples Stranger Things and Bridgerton as Netflix’s most-watched series just three weeks post-launch,” another posted.
How It Stacks Up Against Netflix Giants
Adolescence has rewritten the Netflix playbook. Starting at No. 9 with 96.7 million views, it leapfrogged to No. 4 in a week, surpassing all three Bridgerton seasons, The Queen’s Gambit (112.8 million views), and Fool Me Once (98.2 million views).
Here’s the current Top 10 English-language TV list on Netflix as of April 9, 2025:
Wednesday Season 1: 252.1 million views
Stranger Things Season 4: 140.7 million views
Dahmer: Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story: 115.6 million views
Adolescence: 114 million views
Bridgerton Season 1: 113.3 million views
The Queen’s Gambit: 112.8 million views
Bridgerton Season 3: 106 million views
The Night Agent Season 1: 98.2 million views
Fool Me Once: 98.2 million views
Stranger Things Season 3: 94.8 million views
With just 1.6 million views separating it from Dahmer, Adolescence is poised to hit No. 3 soon. If its momentum holds, it could even challenge Stranger Things Season 4 for second place by the end of its premiere window.
Meanwhile, other shows are making waves. The Residence grabbed 8.8 million views in its first full week, landing at No. 2 on the weekly chart, while Million Dollar Secret scored 3.7 million views for No. 3. On the film side, The Life List led with 24.4 million views, followed by The Electric State with 7.6 million.
A Global Hit with Real Impact
Adolescence isn’t just a streaming success—it’s sparking conversations. In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted a roundtable with co-creator Jack Thorne, producers Emma Feller and Jo Johnson, and charities like Tender, NSPCC, and The Children’s Society. The goal? Make the series available to teachers and parents to discuss crime and toxic masculinity among teens.
The show’s reach is global, dominating charts in 93 countries. Between its emotional depth and real-world relevance, Adolescence has become more than a series—it’s a phenomenon.
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