Stephen Graham shocked as ‘Adolescence’ becomes a Netflix sensation in India

British actor and filmmaker Stephen Graham is astonished by the unexpected popularity of his Netflix series Adolescence in India. The four-part limited series, which premiered on March 14, has quickly climbed to the top of Netflix’s global most-watched list, with Indian audiences contributing significantly to its success.

Graham, who co-created and starred in the series, admitted he never anticipated such a reaction from India. In an interview with Rolling Stone, he shared how he first learned about the show’s popularity in the country. "I got a text from a mate of mine, telling me how big Adolescence is in India. And my first response was, ‘Hold on, did you say India?! Did I hear you correctly?’ Apparently, it’s really striking a nerve there," he said.

The series follows the story of a 13-year-old boy who kills his schoolmate, diving deep into the psyche of troubled teenagers and the complexities of youth crime. Graham revealed that the idea for the show originated during a car ride with his close friend Philip Barantini. "I swear on my late mother’s life. I had the entire show in my head. Like, the whole thing," he recalled. Drawing inspiration from real-life events, he wanted to explore the question: "These aren’t men committing these crimes. They’re boys. What’s going through their minds?"

The overwhelming response to Adolescence has left the actor reflecting on the universality of its themes. "It’s like we dropped a stone into this pond, and the ripple effect it’s produced has been unbelievable," Graham said, commenting on how the show’s impact has exceeded his expectations. The gripping drama has particularly resonated with Indian audiences, sparking discussions on youth violence and the justice system.

Adolescence stars Stephen Graham, Owen Cooper, Erin Doherty, and Ashley Walters in lead roles. The show’s gritty storytelling and raw performances have drawn praise from critics and viewers alike. Since its release, it has consistently trended on Netflix India, adding to its worldwide success.

With its growing popularity, Adolescence has become more than just a British crime drama—it is now a global phenomenon, proving that powerful storytelling transcends borders.