Adolescence co-creator Stephen Graham shocked by the show’s popularity in India: “It’s really striking a nerve there”

Stephen Graham, the acclaimed actor and co-creator of the Netflix series Adolescence, recently shared his astonishment at the show’s global reach—particularly its massive success in India. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Graham opened up about how the gritty British drama, which premiered on March 14, has resonated far beyond its intended audience, topping Netflix’s global most-watched list and striking a chord with Indian viewers in ways he never imagined.

Adolescence co-creator Stephen Graham shocked by the show’s popularity in India: “It’s really striking a nerve there”

Stephen Grahm on Adolescence Becoming A Surprising Hit in India

When Adolescence debuted, Graham anticipated it would connect with UK audiences due to its deeply British roots. However, the show’s explosive popularity in India caught him off guard. “I got a text from a mate of mine, telling me how big Adolescence is in India,” he revealed. “And my first response was, ‘Hold on… did you say India?! Did I hear you correctly?’ Apparently, it’s really striking a nerve there.” Within days of its release, the series soared to the top of Netflix’s charts worldwide, with Indian viewers contributing significantly to its success.

Graham likened the phenomenon to an unexpected ripple effect. “It was very colloquial. But it’s like we dropped a stone into this pond, and the ripple effect it’s produced has been unbelievable,” he said.

The Origins of Adolescence

While some speculated that Adolescence drew inspiration from real-life events, given its parallels to recent high-profile cases involving teenage boys and violent crime, Graham clarified that the concept was entirely original. “I swear on my late mother’s life,” he told Rolling Stone. “I had the entire show in my head. Like, the whole thing.” The idea struck him during a car ride home after an awards show, sparked by his reflections on news stories about young men entangled in violence.

“These aren’t men committing these crimes. They’re boys,” Graham recalled thinking. That haunting realization became the seed for Adolescence, a series that delves into the minds and lives of troubled teens navigating a world of chaos and consequence.

A Social Drama for Today’s Crisis

Graham’s vision for Adolescence was clear from the start: to create a social drama that tackles a pressing issue. “I wanted to make one of those social dramas for right now,” he explained. “Because we have a real crisis going on with young men today, and we’ve got to start talking about it right now. It affects all of us.” The series shines a spotlight on the struggles of adolescence—mental health, peer pressure, and societal expectations—issues that Graham believes demand urgent conversation.

“I just wanted to start a conversation about this, a real conversation,” he added. While he wasn’t sure if audiences were ready to engage with such heavy themes, the overwhelming response—especially from India—suggests they are. “I didn’t know if people would be ready to talk about it. But I think they are. And hopefully, this is just the beginning of the conversation,” he concluded.

Stay tuned for more updates on Adolescence and its growing global impact!

Also Read: Alia Bhatt calls Adolescence’s cinematography and single-take “truly perfection”: “Real, raw, and so, so hot in the moment”

The post Adolescence co-creator Stephen Graham shocked by the show’s popularity in India: “It’s really striking a nerve there” appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.



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