Stephen Graham and Hannah Walters have shared details about the success of the Netflix drama Adolescence and discussed the potential for a second season. The four-part series tells the story of a British family whose life changes dramatically when their seemingly normal 13-year-old son is arrested for the murder of a classmate. The show, written by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham and directed by Philip Barantini, was filmed in one continuous take per episode—a creative choice that set it apart from other crime dramas.
Show Story Synopsis
The drama centers on the turmoil of a family faced with a shocking event. Stephen Graham plays the distraught father, a role that reflects his real-life concerns before the show’s launch. Early on, Graham admitted he had little work and worried about his future. In a moment of vulnerability, he turned to his wife and producing partner, Hannah Walters, who reassured him that everything would turn out well. The script presents the challenging scenario of a teenager caught in a tragedy that disrupts the fabric of family life.
Production Journey Facts
Matriarch Productions, the company behind Adolescence, has a history of bold projects. Before this series, the company produced the BAFTA-nominated real-time kitchen thriller Boiling Point and a spin-off series for the BBC. It also released A Thousand Blows on Disney+, a show set in Victorian-era London about boxing. Each project is noted for its unique production style, with Adolescence using the one-shot technique to heighten the realism of each episode. The company’s creative decisions have generated significant attention within the industry.
Global Viewership Records
The response to Adolescence has been remarkable. In the United Kingdom, the series became the first streaming show to top weekly ratings. On Netflix, the show opened with 24.3 million views in its first four days and climbed to 66.3 million views after two weeks—a record for a limited series. Viewers from over 80 countries have tuned in, including regions such as Saudi Arabia, India, and Australia. The numbers underscore the widespread appeal and the global resonance of the story.
Industry Social Impact
Both Graham and Walters have noted that the series has sparked important conversations. Viewers have sent emails sharing their personal experiences and expressing how the show helped them open up discussions with their families. The drama touches on themes that cut across social, cultural, and economic boundaries. Messages from young people indicate that the series has provided a way to talk about issues that are rarely addressed openly. Some educators have even suggested that Adolescence be used in school settings to prompt discussion about challenging social issues.
Team and Collaborators
The success of the show is a result of the collaborative efforts at Matriarch Productions. The team includes frequent partner Jack Thorne, director Philip Barantini, and director of photography Matthew Lewis, who has worked on previous projects such as Boiling Point and A Thousand Blows. Series producer Jo Johnson and assistant director Sarah Lucas have played key roles behind the scenes. Walters mentioned that their production process involves close work with local skills organizations like ScreenSkills and Fully Focused. These organizations help bring in fresh talent from communities that might not otherwise have access to the film industry. The approach has given opportunities to both young and experienced individuals who bring different perspectives to the project.
Season 2 Discussion
The success of Adolescence has prompted discussions about the possibility of a second season. Although the show was originally conceived as a one-off, both Stephen Graham and Hannah Walters acknowledged that the strong global response has opened the door to future projects. Graham commented that if the viewership numbers remain high, a follow-up could be considered. However, nothing has been confirmed officially yet. Meanwhile, Walters indicated that while a sequel might be a natural next step, the focus remains on the impact the series has already achieved. The conversation has extended beyond the show itself, as industry insiders note the growing influence of Matriarch Productions in the competitive streaming landscape.
The success of Adolescence highlights both the creative vision of its makers and the changing dynamics of global entertainment. The series has not only broken viewership records but also sparked important discussions among audiences around the world. Its impact on society and the film industry marks an important milestone for Matriarch Productions, a company that continues to push boundaries with innovative storytelling.
