Netflix’s gripping drama Adolescence has become more than just a hit show—it’s a wake-up call for parents. Christine Tremarco, who plays the mother of a teen accused of murder in the series, says the show has sparked deep reflections among viewers about parenting, toxic masculinity, and the dangers of the online world.
The four-episode British series, released on March 13, 2025, follows 13-year-old Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper) after he stabs a classmate to death. Instead of focusing on the crime itself, the story explores how Jamie’s exposure to extremist online ideologies led to the tragedy. Tremarco, who portrays Jamie’s mother Manda Miller, reveals that parents worldwide are reevaluating their own mistakes after watching the show .
Parents Thank Tremarco for Eye-Opening Story
Since the show’s release, Tremarco has been approached by strangers in her hometown of Liverpool—many of them parents—who thanked her for the series’ raw portrayal of modern parenting struggles.
“I have had men and women stop me—who are parents—and say to me, ‘Thank you! Thanks to Stephen [Graham], and to everyone on the show!’” Tremarco shared in an interview with Hindustan Times. “The reason… the awareness of what’s out there in terms of toxic masculinity, but also within that, they have said that the show made them want to sit down and talk to their children.”
Many viewers admitted the series made them reflect on their own parenting missteps. “I have had a couple of people say that it has triggered feelings where they thought about how they may have acted at times, maybe about mistakes that they have made with their own children,” Tremarco added .
The Dark Side of Online Radicalization
Adolescence doesn’t just tell a crime story—it exposes how young boys are being radicalized by toxic online communities. Jamie’s descent into violence is linked to his exposure to the “manosphere,” a network of websites promoting misogyny and extreme masculinity. Experts say the show highlights a growing crisis among teens who spend hours consuming harmful content unchecked .
Dr. Gregory Moy, a clinical psychologist, warns that parental controls alone aren’t enough. “It can be an unintentional trade-off the parents are making,” he said. “That unmonitored and invisible stream of inputs and media children are streaming as a passive consumer.”
Emily Cherkin, a screentime consultant, adds that parents often underestimate online dangers while overprotecting kids in the real world. “‘Scary versus dangerous’ is this idea that parental anxiety is heightened by horrible click-bait headlines,” she explained .
The One-Shot Technique That Intensified the Drama
Beyond its hard-hitting story, Adolescence has been praised for its innovative filming style. Each episode was shot in a single continuous take, creating an immersive and unsettling experience.
“For me, personally, shooting in one take is a wonderful way to work. It allows you so much freedom as an actor,” Tremarco said. She credited director Philip Barantini and the crew for pulling off the technical challenge, especially in Episode 4, where the family’s emotional breakdown unfolds in real time .
Why This Show Resonates with Families
The series has struck a nerve because Jamie’s parents aren’t neglectful or abusive—they’re ordinary people who missed the warning signs. “They strive to be positive role models… unaware of a greater danger lurking within arm’s reach,” notes one review .
On parenting forums like Mumsnet, viewers debated whether Jamie’s parents were too permissive. “At 13, why was he out at 9.30/10pm? Did the parents know where he was?” one user questioned. Others pointed out how Jamie’s lack of accountability—like demanding another hot chocolate after throwing one—mirrored real-life parenting pitfalls .
A Global Conversation Starter
Within 17 days of its release, Adolescence became Netflix’s most-watched series in 80 countries. Its success proves that audiences crave stories that tackle tough societal issues head-on .
For Tremarco, the show’s impact has been overwhelming. “For it to come out and reach people in the way that it has been an honour to be a part of that journey,” she said .
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