8.1
Where can I stream Adolescence legally?
Adolescence is included with a subscription to Netflix in the United States. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Adolescence fingerprint
Masterful craft, high energy.
Energy
Nerve-racking
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension9
- Violence6
- Scare4
Heart
Moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
- Family Dynamics9
- Pathos8
- Coming of Age8
Humor
Some cringe comedy and satire
Not a comedy at heart.
- Cringe Humor6
- Satire & Parody5
- Wit & Wordplay4
World
Everyday modern life, crime, and mystery
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion9
- Dialogue Centrality9
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout performances, direction, and storytelling
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Acting10
- Direction9
- Narrative Structure9
Style
Standout editing and cinematography
- Editing9
- Cinematography8
- Music Composition7
Energy
HighNerve-racking
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Adolescence is nerve-racking. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence6Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare4Frightening moments and scares.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Uncanny5Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
Heart
MediumMoving and melancholic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
Emotionally, it's moving and melancholic. Much of it is about family and growing up.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Coming of Age8Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Romance1Love stories and emotional connections.
- Nostalgia1Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
MediumSome cringe comedy and satire
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some cringe comedy and satire.
All humor traits
- Cringe Humor6Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody5Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
World
HighEveryday modern life, crime, and mystery
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around everyday modern life, crime, and mystery. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism10Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Crime9Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Mystery9Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Tech & Humanity5Human stories in a tech world.
Craft
Very highStandout performances, direction, and storytelling
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The performances, direction, and storytelling stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Acting10Performance craft and presence.
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure9Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality9Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Style
HighStandout editing and cinematography
Look and sound: the editing and cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Editing9Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchBinge-FriendlyThought-Provoking
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Episode ratings
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About
A child accused. Everyone left to answer.
When a 13-year-old is accused of the murder of a classmate, his family, therapist and the detective in charge are all left asking: what really happened?
Gripping Crime DramaIntense Family Psychological ThrillerMasterclass in ActingRealistic Depiction of Juvenile JusticeEmotionally DevastatingSlow-Burn MysterySocietal Commentary on YouthTense Interrogation DynamicsGrounded Contemporary SettingProfound Character Study
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Shows
Movies
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Adolescence
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Adolescence worth watching?
85
ExcellentGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 85/100 (IMDb 8.1, Rotten Tomatoes 97%, and Metacritic 91). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Adolescence rated?
TV-MAViolenceStrong languageDisturbing imagerySuicide themes
It's rated TV-MA in the United States. Content advisories: violence, strong language, disturbing imagery, and suicide themes.
How many seasons does Adolescence have?
1 season
It has 1 season with 4 episodes.
Do critics and audiences agree on Adolescence?
Critics94
Audiences75
Not quite. Critics rate Adolescence higher (94) than audiences (75). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
When did Adolescence air?
S1
It ran from 2025 to 2025 and has ended.
What language is Adolescence in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom, United States.
In how many countries can I watch Adolescence?
131
+117
+117GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Adolescence in 131 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Adolescence use?
Downer EndingChekhov's GunSympathy for the DevilMeta TwistWham ShotPrivate Profit PrisonPatched Together from the HeadlinesConspiracy TheoristLeft HangingOh, Crap!Alone with the PsychoEpic Tracking Shotand 36 more
TV Tropes lists 48 storytelling tropes for Adolescence, including Downer Ending, Chekhov's Gun, Sympathy for the Devil.