Adolescence had an explosive debut on Netflix, quickly becoming one of the most-watched shows worldwide. The riveting crime drama, filmed in one shot with groundbreaking cinematography, sounds the alarm on incel culture while Stephen Graham and Owen Cooper dazzle with their raw, emotional performances.
Viewers looking for more intense and profound crime dramas can use our guide to find the best 10 shows like Adolescence available to stream on platforms like Hulu, Apple TV+, and more.
A Friend of the Family (2022)
A Friend of the Family parallels Adolescence in that it plays out slowly and chillingly like a nightmare. However, it’s even more chilling because it dramatizes the true story of Jan Broberg (Mckenna Grace), who was abused and kidnapped twice by a man who manipulated her family into trusting him as a family friend. It explores true crime without feeling exploitative due to its focus on the psychological impact of abuse on survivors and their families. Like Adolescence, its message can also be potentially lifesaving as it warns families of the manipulation of predators.
Baby Reindeer (2024)
Baby Reindeer is an excellent choice for viewers who especially love Adolescence’s intensity and addictive nature. The series follows Donny Dunn (Richard Gadd), a bartender and amateur comedian who experiences intense stalking from a woman named Martha Scott (Jessica Gunning) after she visits his bar one night. Meanwhile, the ordeal soon forces Donny to also confront his past trauma. Baby Reindeer is chilling and dark, and it is made all the more potent by its performances and true story premise. It’s a must-see for anyone intrigued about what makes one commit a crime and the nature of trauma and victimhood.
Defending Jacob (2020)
Defending Jacob is a crime drama that follows Assistant District Attorney Andy Barber (Chris Evans) as he investigates the homicide of a high school boy. However, when he realizes the suspect is his 14-year-old son, Jacob (Jaeden Martell), he finds himself torn between upholding the law and loyalty to his family. Like Adolescence, Defending Jacob blends a crime drama with a family drama, exploring not only the jarring scenario of a child being accused of murder but also the toll it takes on a family. It’s an excellent choice for viewers seeking the emotion of Adolescence but with a few more thrills and a sense of mystery.
One of Us Is Lying (2021-2022)
Viewers wanting a lighter take on a teen crime drama than Adolescence may be interested in One of Us Is Lying. Based on the YA novel of the same name, the series explores the mystery that arises when five students are sent to detention, but only four come out alive. What’s more, all four living students had equal motivation to want to harm the deceased boy, Simon Kelleher (Mark McKenna). One of Us Is Lying takes the concept of teen murderers and crafts it into a charming, fast-paced, and unpredictable whodunnit while blending the genres of teen drama and crime thriller.
The Act (2019)
The Act tells the story of Gypsy Blanchard (Joey King), a teen whose rebellion and desire for freedom leads her to uncover the lies of her overprotective mother, Dee Dee Blanchard (Patricia Arquette), regarding Gypsy’s alleged poor health. Adolescence and The Act tell very different stories, but ultimately, each probes the same question of what would drive a minor to commit a drastic crime. The Act, though, is a more sympathetic, heartbreaking, and complex tale about a child who is both a victim and a perpetrator.
The Girl from Plainville (2022)
The Girl from Plainville dramatizes the true crime case of Michelle Carter (Elle Fanning), a teenager accused of involuntary manslaughter after allegedly pressuring her boyfriend, Conrad Roy (Norbert Leo Butz), to go through with his plan to take his own life. The series is a complex but powerful watch that delicately brings a convoluted true crime case to life. Like Adolescence, it also holds a vital and potentially lifesaving message as it poignantly tackles complex topics of mental health, loneliness, and the dangers of teens relying only on each other for help.
The Night Of (2016)
The Night Of follows Nasir "Naz" Khan (Riz Ahmed), a young Pakistani-American who, after a night of partying, sleeps over at his love interest Andrea Cornish’s (Sofia Black-D'Elia) house. However, his life turns upside down when he awakes to find her stabbed to death, making him the sole suspect, though he has no recollection of what happened. The Night Of is a good alternative for fans of Adolescence who are interested in the specifics of the justice system. The series is not only gripping and intense but provides intriguing commentary on America’s justice system.
Unbelievable (2019)
Unbelievable tells the harrowing story of Marie Adler (Kaitlyn Dever), a young sexual assault survivor who the police pressured into recanting her allegations. As she’s attacked by the media and charged with false reporting, it’s up to two female detectives, Grace Rasmussen (Toni Collette) and Karen Duvall (Merritt Wever), to uncover the truth. Unbelievable and Adolescence both probe crime against women. However, Unbelievable digs much deeper into how attitudes toward women can infiltrate even the justice system, making it exceptionally difficult for survivors and victims to be believed and receive justice.
Under the Bridge (2024)
Under the Bridge is based on the tragic true story of Reena Virk (Vritika Gupta). In the series, Cam Bentland (Lily Gladstone) is tasked with investigating the death of 14-year-old Virk. However, the case takes a dark turn when she realizes the prime suspects are a group of children. Like Adolescence, Under the Bridge isn’t just a story about teens committing unfathomable crimes. Instead, it digs deep, struggling to explain to viewers the factors, like neglect and abuse, that led to this crime and how such crimes can be avoided in the future.
Your Honor (2020-2023)
Your Honor tells the story of New Orleans judge Michael Desiato (Bryan Cranston), whose son, Adam (Hunter Doohan), accidentally kills another teen in a hit-and-run accident. Desiato becomes desperate to protect his son, sparking a long sequence of lies, corruption, and manipulation. Your Honor leans more towards the crime thriller genre than Adolescence, and their plots differ quite significantly. However, Your Honor goes deeper into Adolescence’s exploration of what happens when parents are torn between their love for their child and the knowledge of their wrongdoing.
Where to watch shows like Adolescence streaming online
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