According to a article via The Hollywood Reporter (THR), Adolescence is a U.K. limited-series drama, has skyrocketed in popularity, jumping from No. 9 to No. 4 on Netflix’s Most Popular English TV list. The series, which debuted less than a month ago, has already amassed over 114 million views, with a remarkable 17.8 million views in just the past week. The surge has propelled Adolescence ahead of other top contenders like Bridgerton and The Queen’s Gambit.

The drama revolves around 13-year-old Jamie Miller (Owen Co6+/oper, The Last Kingdom, Hooten & the Lady), who is arrested for the murder of a schoolmate. His father, Eddie Miller is played by Stephen Graham (This Is England, The Irishman), becomes his “appropriate adult” in police jargon. Detective Inspector Luke Bascombe who is played by Ashley Walters (Top Boy, Bulletproof) and clinical psychologist Briony Ariston who is played by Erin Doherty (The Crown, The Bisexual) investigate the case, each with their own perspectives on the troubled teenager. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the show’s raw portrayal of the justice system has been a key factor in its success.

The series has also benefitted from a unique distribution strategy. Adolescence was made available for streaming in secondary schools across the U.K., a move The Hollywood Reporter noted as “a significant factor in its rapid rise to the top.” This educational tie-in has boosted the show’s visibility and helped Netflix break internal viewership records.

The show’s success can also be attributed to the talented creators behind it. Adolescence was written and created by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne (The Swimmers and Joy). It reunites Graham with director Philip Barantini (Band of Brothers, The Responder), whom he collaborated with on the critically acclaimed film Boiling Point. The Hollywood Reporter describes the series as “a masterstroke of storytelling,” praising the team for their ability to blend suspense with powerful emotional depth.

With a high-profile executive producer team including Brad Pit (21 Jump Street, Dallas), Jeremy Kleiner (The OA, Outer Range), Dede Gardner (The OA, Outer Range) and Nina Wolarsky (The OA, The Crown) from Plan B Entertainment, Adolescence has garnered attention both for its compelling narrative and star-studded backing. The creative team also includes Mark Herbert (Little Birds, The Virtues) and Emily Feller (Devils, Trust Me) for Warp Films, and Jo Johnson (EastEnders, Cardiac Arrest) as producer.

As Adolescence continues to captivate audiences, it seems poised for even greater success. With its powerful storytelling and innovative release strategy, the series is quickly becoming one of the year’s most talked-about dramas.