Summary
Adolescencehas taken the world by storm since its release early in 2025, delivering a rivetingdrama surrounding the murder of a young schoolgirlby a troubled boy, with themes of masculinity, gender, education, and social media being prominent in the Netflix hit. Despite its British backdrop,Adolescencehas struck a chord internationally, being empowered by its bone-chilling performances, led by British acting heavyweight Stephen Graham, and its one-shot approach, which is employed throughout its four episodes.
The bleak outcome ofAdolescenceis a heavy pill to swallow for audiences. However, for viewers intrigued by the events ofAdolescenceand the British aesthetic, there are a multitude of alternative British shows that are brimming with pulsating spectacle and touch upon essential themes within society, showing the capabilities of UK television.
Spawned from the cult classic movieThis Is England, which focuses on the skinhead and street culture of 1980s England,This Is England ‘86follows many of the film’s characters, showing their early adulthood and gradual growth.
Dipping between aspects of comedy and serious subjects,This Is England 86’sexamination of class, crime, mental health, race, and intimate relationships in England makes for an intriguing depiction of British culture. Starring Stephen Graham,This Is Englandis one of the most groundbreaking depictions of British youth culture, capturing the highs and lows of growing up in working-class communities.
Starring two ofAdolescence’s impeccable cast members, Stephen Graham and Erin Doherty, the Disney+ dramaA Thousand Blowswas released this year to widespread acclaim, as it delves into London’s underbelly, where crime syndicates and bare-knuckle boxing intersect. The fresh new drama focuses onan all-female criminal organizationled by Mary Carr, who plots and schemes, causing a boxing prodigy and kingpin to have his status threatened.
Between an emerging turf war, two immigrant best friends attempt to survive the impending conflict despite being drawn into the fray. With Victorian Era London as its backdrop,A Thousand Blowsdelivers through pulsating action, backstabbing, and intense politicking, again showcasing the potential of British productions and their endless talent.
For those yearning for compelling British stories in limited series as depicted inAdolescence,Toxic Townis another Netflix original that focuses onthe real-life tragedy of the Corby pollution scandal, a tragic British event that rocked the nation. Examining the small town of Corby and its sudden number of congenital disabilities in newborns, the mothers of the affected babies rally together to expose the council for failing to prevent the infestation of Corby with toxins from a nearby steelworks.
In a faithful depiction,Toxic Townis held together by its courageous and visceral story, powered by a community of strong women who fight for answers, no matter the cost.
While prison dramas can often be over-represented on television, the anthology showTimepresents the UK’s prison system through a fascinating lens, illustrating the harsh realities of not only the incarcerated but also the prison officers who strive to maintain order. While its two seasons differ, its engrossing first season features Sean Bean and Stephen Graham as an inmate and a correctional officer whobecome targets for prisoners, complicating their lives as their moral compass comes under threat.
The BBC drama’s exploration of the morality and guilt of convicts shares resemblances toAdolescence, where a child offender is put under the microscope for the actions of his disturbing crimes.
WhileAdolescenceinvolves an interview of a child suspect by police detectives,Criminal: UKgoes one step further, devoting its entire premise to the psychological warfare between detectives and highly manipulative suspects, with the show being set exclusively in police headquarters and, more specifically, a single interrogation room.
Playing out like a cat-and-mouse game,Criminal: UK’s sole focus on the back-and-forth between the accused, lawyers, and detectives provides groundbreaking television. Powered by electrifying writing and elevated by the show’s stellar performances,David Tennant and Kit Harington’s slimy portrayals of suspectsprove harrowing as they come under excruciating pressure from the authorities in such captivating roles.
One of the most revolutionary and influential British shows of the 2000s wasSkins, a melodrama akin toEuphoriathat explores the dramatic social lives of young people as they transition into adulthood. Featuring several futureA-listers, such as Nicholas Hoult, Dev Patel, and Daniel Kaluuya before hitting the heights of Hollywood,Skinsexamines groups of teenagers in Sixth Form education as they get involved with prominent and relevant topics such as drug usage, romance, pregnancy, and sexuality.
LikeAdolescence,Skinsis a worthwhile watch for an understanding of youth culture and how teenagers can quickly feel engulfed by their environment.
Although starting as a successful movie,Boiling Pointreceived a TV spin-off continuing the events of Stephen Graham’s Andy Jones, a chef whose heart attack leads to Carly, Andy’s former sous-chef, now leading a hot-tempered kitchen.
As seen in shows likeThe Bear, a restaurant kitchen can be a challenging environment to survive in, andBoiling Pointis no different, as Carly deals with constant distractions and chaos that erupt in her kitchen. Delivering a raw and authentic feel,Boiling Pointis a prime example of some of the best of British television in recent years, matching up to shows likeAdolescencein pure tension and intensity.
