The show, which premiered on Netflix on March 13, follows the arrest of 13-year-old Jamie Miller, accused of murdering a female classmate. The plot is loosely inspired by the case of Hassan Sentamu, who was jailed for life in September 2023 for the tragic killing
The UK’s hit Netflix drama Adolescence has sparked significant controversy following the casting of a white actor in the lead role, despite the show being based on the true story of Hassan Sentamu, a Black man convicted for the 2023 murder of a 15-year-old girl. Some viewers have expressed outrage over the race-swapping of the main character, Jamie Miller, played by Owen Cooper, raising concerns about authenticity and representation in the portrayal of real-life events.
The show, which premiered on Netflix on March 13, follows the arrest of 13-year-old Jamie Miller, accused of murdering a female classmate. The plot is loosely inspired by the case of Hassan Sentamu, who was jailed for life in September 2023 for the tragic killing. The series explores themes of anger, male rage, and emotional turmoil, focusing on the psychological impact of such a crime on both the accused and his family. However, the decision to cast a white actor as the lead in a story about a Black man has become a point of contention for many netizens.
While the casting decision has led to backlash, Adolescence has garnered widespread praise for its writing, direction, and unique filmmaking style. Created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, the series is also notable for its innovative approach of filming each episode in a single, continuous take. This technique has been hailed as a masterstroke in keeping the audience immersed in the tense, high-stakes narrative. Stephen Graham, who also stars in the show as Eddie Miller, Jamie’s father, has spoken about how the series reflects complex issues surrounding toxic masculinity and societal pressures on young men.
Despite the controversies surrounding the casting choice, Adolescence has broken records in the UK, becoming the first streaming series to top the country’s weekly TV ratings. According to official data from the Broadcasters Audience Research Board (BARB), the show outperformed traditional TV staples such as The Apprentice and Death in Paradise. The debut episode alone attracted 6.45 million viewers, breaking the previous UK streaming record set by Netflix’s Fool Me Once in January 2024, which had drawn 6.3 million viewers.
The success of Adolescence has not gone unnoticed by political figures, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer praising the show. Starmer revealed that he had watched the series with his teenage children and highlighted its relevance in contemporary conversations about youth, crime, and societal issues. He even suggested that the show be screened in the UK Parliament and in government schools, believing it could serve as an important tool for discussions on these topics.
Despite the praise, the casting decision remains a sensitive subject. Critics argue that by casting a white actor in a role based on a Black man, the show misses an opportunity to authentically portray the lived experience of a Black individual within the British justice system. The debate over the racial casting of Adolescence taps into a broader conversation about representation and the importance of diversity in the media. Many are questioning whether such decisions contribute to or detract from the meaningful discussion of race and identity in storytelling.
The show’s creators have defended their casting choices, explaining that the series is meant to be a dramatic and fictionalized interpretation of real events rather than a direct retelling. They have emphasized that the series’ primary focus is on exploring the themes of anger, violence, and the psychological consequences of crime, rather than adhering strictly to the racial identity of the individuals involved.
One of the central themes of Adolescence is the exploration of male rage and the factors that contribute to violent behavior. The show also addresses issues such as societal expectations placed on young men, the influence of toxic masculinity, and the emotional turmoil faced by those caught in the criminal justice system. The impact of figures like Andrew Tate, a self-avowed misogynist who has garnered a significant following online, is said to have influenced the storyline, reflecting the complicated and often dangerous narratives surrounding male identity in contemporary society.
While the backlash over the race-swapping controversy continues.
Adolescence remains a significant cultural moment in the UK. Its success reflects a growing appetite for complex, thought-provoking content on streaming platforms, and its place at the forefront of the UK’s weekly TV ratings speaks to the shifting dynamics of television consumption.
As the debate over the series’ casting choice continues, Adolescence has undeniably sparked important conversations about race, identity, and the power of storytelling. Whether the show’s successes can be fully separated from its controversies remains to be seen, but for now, it is clear that Adolescence has made a powerful impact on both audiences and critics alike.
Filmmaker Karan Johar, father to twins Roohi and Yash, also weighed in on the show’s impact, calling Adolescence a “wake-up call” for parents. Sharing the poster on Instagram, Karan spoke about the responsibilities of raising children in today’s world. He emphasized that no book or podcast can teach one to be the best version of themselves as a parent; instead, parents must focus on becoming the best version of themselves. Karan highlighted how children mirror their parents’ behaviors, ideologies, and emotions, adding that Adolescence serves as an important lesson for all parents. “This is more than a series; it’s a forever lesson,” he said, acknowledging the show’s influence on his own approach to parenthood.
