A Scary Show Without Horror: “Adolescence”

A promotional image for “Adolescence”. The boy the camera is focused on is Owen Cooper, who plays the main character Jamie Miller. Cooper was nominated for and won the award of “Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie” for his haunting portrayal of the character.

By Jax Marsh, Staff Writer for The Powderhorn

“Adolescence,” a Netflix TV show that aired March 13, 2025, is a haunting and uncomfortable watch---on purpose. The creators of this show intended to showcase the frightening emotions and thoughts that most parents and children never want to even think about. It forces those emotions on the audience in such a realistic way that it makes everyone watching ponder about their own lives. “Adolescence” is such an emotionally compelling show that everyone should watch it.

The show tells the story of a 13-year-old boy, Jamie Miller, who is convicted of murder. Each episode highlights how the murder affected different people, showcasing the very real turmoil that individuals go through due to trauma. 

After the fourth and final episode of “Adolescence,” I couldn’t believe it was over. I hoped that there were more episodes not just for the sake of watching more of an incredibly good TV show, but for my own personal comfort. By watching the first couple episodes, this show will make you believe that there will be a good ending. Instead, I was met with a story that feels like it didn't have an ending at all. While the show drew in many fans, I feel like most were left with a similar feeling as I was, that the show's ending was unsatisfying.

The realism that “Adolescence” consists of is what really makes me so emotionally invested in what happened in this heart wrenching show. All of the kids in the show are so similar to people whom I know or have been friends with, which made them feel very easy to connect to. The actors did a fantastic job of portraying the realistic characters, especially because it seemed that most of the actors were acting as someone that they were or had been, such as young teenagers acting as young teenage students. This aspect was so impactful. I imagined some of my friends in this position or something remotely similar, and it was terrifying. But one thing this show does exceedingly well is teach you that this terrifying story is more than just a thought -- it's a truth.

Juvenile cases are not uncommon in the U.S. In 2022, there were a total of 549,500 juvenile arrests. That’s a number that’s bigger than it should be. This limited series shows insight into just one of those cases. The main point that this insight seems to be getting out is the unjust reality of the justice system. 

SPOILERS AHEAD

In the show, after Jamie is arrested and detained for some time, evidence comes up that suggests his innocence. Many people believe that he didn’t do it, and strangers suggest that they can help provide funding for a lawyer for Jamie. But, as Jamie faces incarceration and a potential life sentence, he decides to plead guilty. 

This was definitely the hardest hitting moment of the show. Him saying this made the audience realize there was no hope for Jamie, whether he truly did it or not, to come out of this experience as a free man. This happened in the fourth episode, and I was sure that in the next episode they would find evidence to prove his innocence just like they do in every other TV show. Instead, I saw the “Other Shows You Might Like” suggestion pop up, crushing my hopes and proving that it was the last episode of the series.

END OF SPOILERS

I would highly recommend that everyone take the time to watch this show. This show teaches life lessons and allows for some self-reflection that can be scary to most people. It informs audiences of the importance of family and to treasure the time that you have with each person, because you never know when they will be taken away from you. Self-growth is something that I was not expecting to have from this show, but its scope into real-life scenarios forces you to reflect on your life.