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A celebrated figure in British acting, Stephen Graham can always be counted on to bring intensity and depth to his television roles. In 2025, Graham’s star is shining brighter than ever, with his new series ‘Adolescence’ captivating audiences and critics alike. At the same time, word of his next major project has emerged, revealing a shift into even darker territory. This article explores Graham’s latest work, the creative vision behind ‘Adolescence’, and what fans can look forward to in his chilling upcoming series.
Adolescence: A Gripping New Crime Drama
Released in March 2025, ‘Adolescence’ marks a bold new chapter in British crime drama. The four-part Netflix series was created by Stephen Graham himself, alongside acclaimed screenwriter Jack Thorne. Inspired by real issues facing young people in the UK, the core story deals with a family thrown into turmoil when their 13-year-old son, Jamie Miller, is arrested for the murder of a girl from his school. Graham plays Eddie Miller, Jamie’s devastated father, whose world unravels as he searches for truth in a nightmarish scenario.
‘Adolescence’ instantly set itself apart in the crowded world of TV drama. Each episode unfolds in real time, filmed as a single, unbroken shot—an audacious choice championed by director Philip Barantini. Barantini previously collaborated with Graham on ‘Boiling Point’, another one-take wonder that earned high praise for its immersive style. In ‘Adolescence’, this raw, continuous approach amplifies the emotional stakes and draws viewers directly into the Miller family’s ordeal.
Critical and Audience Response
Since debuting on 13 March 2025, ‘Adolescence’ has broken records for British streaming drama. Within its first two weeks, the limited series amassed a remarkable 66 million views worldwide. Critics have praised both the bold stylistic choices and Graham’s quietly devastating performance. According to Digital Spy and Netflix’s own news coverage, the show asks urgent questions about the pressures on modern teenagers, touching on issues like internet influence, peer dynamics, and the rise of youth violence.
Jack Thorne, the series’ co-writer, has carefully explained that ‘Adolescence’ is not based on a single case, but draws upon recent real-life tragedies in the UK. Notable cases, such as the murders of Ava White, Elianne Andam, and Brianna Ghey, helped inform the underlying themes of violence and parental fear. “We wanted to look in the eye of modern male rage,” Thorne told BBC Radio 4, noting the striking influence that public figures and online personalities now exert on young men.
A Team of British Creative Heavyweights
The production team behind ‘Adolescence’ reads like a who’s who of acclaimed UK film and television talent. Alongside Graham and Thorne, the series boasts executive producers Mark Herbert (Warp Films), Hannah Walters (Matriarch Productions), and Hollywood’s Plan B Entertainment, including Brad Pitt. The cast features returning collaborators from ‘Boiling Point’ and rising British stars, lending even more authenticity to this hard-hitting story.
What’s Next: ‘Lazarus’ and a Formidable Villain
Fresh from the global success of ‘Adolescence’, Stephen Graham is set to shock audiences again in the Apple TV+ series ‘Lazarus’. Based on Lars Kepler’s internationally bestselling crime novels, ‘Lazarus’ will see Graham take on his darkest role yet as serial killer Jurek Walter. The series pairs him with another TV heavyweight, Liev Schreiber, who plays ex-soldier turned homicide detective Jonah Lynn. The show follows Lynn as he pursues the cunning Walter, whose crimes bring terror to a small town in Western Pennsylvania.
This marks a striking departure for Graham, renowned for playing flawed but sympathetic antiheroes. Instead, ‘Lazarus’ casts him as a villain of rare menace—a performance already generating early buzz among critics and genre fans. Filming began in the summer of 2025, with a release date to be announced.
Why Stephen Graham Keeps Audiences Hooked
Stephen Graham’s track record shows an actor drawn to difficult themes and complex characters. From earlier breakout roles in ‘This Is England’ and ‘Line of Duty’ to more recent triumphs like ‘The Walk-In’ and ‘Boiling Point’, Graham consistently seeks out projects that grapple with the realities of modern Britain. In ‘Adolescence’, he mines new depths as a father confronting unimaginable tragedy, drawing both empathy and unease from viewers. With ‘Lazarus’, he ventures into the psyche of a serial killer, proving he can command both sides of the dramatic spectrum.
A Reflection of British Society
‘Adolescence’ is more than just gripping television. Its discussion of youth violence and family trauma has reignited national conversations about how best to protect young people in the UK. Experts in psychology and social services have publicly thanked the series for drawing attention to the growing pressures faced by British teenagers—pressures driven by social media and relentless online scrutiny.
With the promise of ‘Lazarus’ on the horizon, Stephen Graham continues to use his platform to spotlight the darker corners of society, challenging the nation to look closer at causes, not just symptoms.
Conclusion
Stephen Graham’s new series ‘Adolescence’ confirms his reputation as a mainstay of serious British drama, blending emotional rawness with technical brilliance. As news spreads of his next role in ‘Lazarus’, fans are watching with anticipation—and the UK’s creative community is once again reminded why Graham is considered one of its finest contemporary actors. If the early response to both series is any indication, 2025 could well be Stephen Graham’s most influential year yet.
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