Adolescence season 2 just got a major update

We finally know whether Stephen Graham's show will come back.
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Netflix

Adolescence still has us reeling.

The four-part Netflix series is, undoubtedly, one of the most remarkable shows of the year, if not of the decade. Co-created by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne, the show's four, ultra intense single-shot episodes shone the light on the growing misogynistic subcultures that have wormed their way into children's lives through their screens. It's chilling, heartbreaking and vital viewing.

The show has already had a huge impact — worldwide, the show was viewed 24.3 million times in its first week.

It may not have been an easy show to watch, but no one — even Keir Starmer — has been able to deny its importance… which leaves us wondering: will Graham and Thorne bring us Adolescence season 2 any time soon?

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Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2024
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What happened in season 1 of Adolescence?

Adolescence followed the story of Jamie, a 13-year-old boy accused of murdering his classmate, Katie. Over the course of four episodes that play out in real time, we see the impact of his arrest on his family, a snapshot of the school where he went, a glimpse into his psyche via a therapy session, and, finally, a portrait of his family's life after his arrest.

Although the story wasn't based on one real event, it was inspired by multiple horrific crimes that have happened in the UK in recent years. As such, it offered a poignant, startling look at very real issues in our society today.

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Adolescence's Erin Doherty “It's a vital story to be explored.”

“This show is about having the conversation, whether it's with your kid, with your friend, with your auntie, with your therapist, whatever. Let's just talk.”

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Is Adolescence season 2 happening?

By the sounds of things, Adolescence season 2 probably isn't on the cards despite its success.

“Jamie’s story is finished”, Thorne said in an interview with ITV. “I don’t think there’s anywhere more we can take Jamie, so I don’t think there is a series two."

Thorne also rejected the idea of a second series that focused on Katie.

“I don’t think we’re the right people to tell Katie’s story,” he continued. “I think there are other makers out there that could tell beautiful dramas about Katie or girls like Katie, and that those shows should be made."

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Netflix

He explained, "Our aim was to try and tell Jamie’s story as fully as we possibly could, and maybe trying to tell her story would dilute that in some way and maybe we would be inadequate for that task.”

Director Philip Barantini is also on the same page. "I don’t personally [think there should be another series], I think it’s a package of this moment in time, and I think personally, that’s how I feel about it,” he said to the Independent.

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Netflix

What might be next for the team?

Although it's looking unlikely that Adolescence season 2 will happen, there is a small chance that co-creators Thorne and Graham will reunite for another series that follows a similar format.

“We’d love to explore the one shot format in another way," said Thorne. "We’d love to tell other stories with it, but I don’t think a series two of Adolescence is quite right for us.”

Who knows, perhaps they could focus on unpacking another aspect of youth culture in Britain today with a brand new set of characters.

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