Netflix’s 2025 British miniseries Adolescence has been making waves with its gripping storytelling and single-take cinematography. Co-created by and starring Stephen Graham, the show follows a family’s descent into turmoil when their 13-year-old son is accused of murder. With its raw emotional depth, themes of justice and morality, and intense performances, Adolescence has resonated with audiences.
If you’re looking for more hard-hitting dramas exploring crime, family struggles, and the fragility of youth, here are 10 shows that will keep you hooked. Our guide also offers you viewing options to stream these shows online on streaming platforms.
13 Reasons Why
A high school student’s suicide sends shockwaves through a community when she leaves behind a series of tapes explaining why she took her own life. The show delves into mental health, bullying, sexual assault, and the pressures of teenage life, much like Adolescence does with its themes of youth and morality. While it sparked controversy for its graphic content, 13 Reasons Why remains a powerful and unflinching exploration of how actions have consequences, making it a compelling watch for those who appreciated Adolescence’s emotional depth.
Sharp Objects
Starring Amy Adams in a career-best performance, Sharp Objects is a haunting psychological thriller about a journalist returning to her hometown to cover a disturbing murder case. As she investigates, long-buried traumas resurface, leading to a chilling unraveling of family secrets. Much like Adolescence, the series explores trauma, repressed memories, and the weight of the past, creating an atmosphere of suspense and emotional depth. With its unsettling mood, gripping mystery, and outstanding performances, Sharp Objects is a must-watch for fans of dark and deeply personal crime dramas.
The Night Of
This HBO crime drama, starring Riz Ahmed and John Turturro, follows a young Pakistani-American student arrested for a murder he doesn’t remember committing. Much like Adolescence, The Night Of examines the impact of the legal system on an accused individual and their family, exploring racial bias, media sensationalism, and the life-altering consequences of a single night. With its atmospheric tension and gripping performances, The Night Of offers a deeply emotional and thought-provoking experience.
Bodies
This mind-bending thriller series, featuring Adolescence creator Stephen Graham, follows four detectives in different timelines investigating the same murder. Though Bodies leans more into sci-fi and time-bending elements, it retains the same gripping mystery and character-driven intensity found in Adolescence. With its brilliant performances, suspenseful narrative, and stunning cinematography, Bodies is a must-watch for fans of Adolescence looking for another thought-provoking and immersive viewing experience.
Unbelievable
Inspired by real events, Unbelievable follows two detectives (played by Merritt Wever and Toni Collette) investigating a series of sexual assaults after a young woman’s claims of rape are dismissed. Like Adolescence, the show explores the emotional and psychological toll on families, the failures of the justice system, and the search for truth. It’s a harrowing yet compelling series that highlights the importance of resilience and belief in the face of overwhelming doubt.
Broadchurch
This British crime drama, starring David Tennant and Olivia Colman, revolves around the murder of a young boy in a small coastal town and the devastating impact it has on the community. Much like Adolescence, Broadchurch explores the fragility of family bonds, grief, and the complexities of justice. With its exceptional writing, slow-burn tension, and emotionally charged performances, this show is a must-watch for fans of character-driven crime dramas.
Mare of Easttown
Starring Kate Winslet in an Emmy-winning performance, Mare of Easttown follows a small-town detective investigating a brutal murder while dealing with her own personal trauma. Like Adolescence, the show dives deep into themes of family, grief, and community secrets, offering a gritty and realistic take on crime drama. Winslet’s portrayal of a flawed but determined investigator makes this an emotionally charged and compelling watch.
Top Boy
While Top Boy is more focused on crime and gang culture, it shares Adolescence’s gritty realism, intense character studies, and themes of survival and justice. The show follows young people caught in London’s drug trade, depicting how circumstances shape moral choices. If you enjoyed Adolescence’s emotional intensity and themes of youth navigating difficult realities, Top Boy is a perfect follow-up.
Criminal: UK
Set entirely in a police interrogation room, Criminal: UK offers high-stakes, dialogue-driven drama as detectives question suspects in intense, psychological battles. Each episode unravels gripping cases through mind games, deception, and sharp writing. With Kunal Nayyar’s standout against-type performance in Season 2, this show’s tension and moral dilemmas align well with Adolescence.
Defending Jacob
Starring Chris Evans and Michelle Dockery, Defending Jacob follows a family whose teenage son is accused of murdering a classmate. This legal drama echoes the central premise of Adolescence—a family grappling with a life-changing accusation. With a compelling mystery, emotional depth, and a chilling exploration of parental doubt and loyalty, Defending Jacob is a gripping watch for fans of Adolescence.
How to watch the best TV shows like Adolescence streaming online in India
From intriguing crime dramas to intense coming of age tales, these shows can make for a perfect binge after Adolescence. Our guide offers you where to watch these thrilling shows after the British Netflix series. We also provide you with offers to buy, rent, or even watch these movies for free online.
