Adolescence, the four-part drama co-created by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne, is a landmark in British television. Centered on the arrest of 13-year-old Jamie Miller for the murder of a schoolmate, the series offers a searing, unconventional perspective by focusing on the accused’s family.

Stephen Graham, who also stars as Jamie’s father Eddie, delivers a powerful, emotionally raw performance alongside astonishing newcomer Owen Cooper and compelling performances from Erin Doherty, Ashley Walters and Christine Tremaco.

Technically groundbreaking, each episode unfolds in a single, uninterrupted shot, creating an unflinching, immersive experience under director Philip Barantini.

Adolescence earned widespread critical and audience acclaim, becoming Netflix’s second ever most-watched English language show globally. But its impact goes beyond craft: the series raises urgent questions about youth violence, online influence, and collective responsibility. Discussed in Parliament, it’s both a tour de force of television and a vital catalyst for social reflection and reform.

This lavish adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s 1986 novel delivers a bold blend of high production values, sharp writing, and nostalgic flair. Set in the scandalous world of 1980s British television, the series remains true to Cooper’s exuberant storytelling while modernising its lens through contemporary sensibilities.

Dominic Treadwell-Collins’s adaptation is a masterclass in tone, balancing outrageous humour and romantic entanglements with nuanced explorations of class, power, and social taboos. Performances from the all-star cast, including David Tennant, Katherine Parkinson, Alex Hassell, and Aidan Turner, elevate the drama.

Acclaimed for its craftsmanship, wit, and cultural resonance, Rivals stands as a triumph of adaptation.