Stephen Graham has shared the harrowing reason for making chart-topping new Netflix show Adolescence – and it’ll send shivers down parents’ spines. 

The crime drama, written by Stephen and Jack Thorne, hit our screens on the streaming service on Thursday and has already become a huge hit.

Stephen has taken on the role of Eddie Miller, the dad of a young boy called Jamie (Owen Cooper) , who is suspected of stabbing one of his classmates Katie. 

The show also stars the likes of Ashley Walters as DI Luke Bascombe and Christine Tremarco as Manda Miller. 

Viewers may be shocked to know what heartbreaking real-life incidents that resulted in the programme being made.  

Speaking with Radio Times, Stephen said: ‘Where it came from, for me…

Stephen Graham (pictured) shares harrowing reason for making chart-topping new Netflix show Adolescence – and it’ll send shivers down parents’ spines

The actor has taken on the role of Eddie Miller, the dad of a young boy called Jamie (Owen Cooper, pictured), who is suspected of stabbing one of his classmates Katie.

‘Is there was an incident in Liverpool, a young girl, and she was stabbed to death by a young boy. 

‘I just thought, why? Then there was another young girl in south London who was stabbed to death at a bus stop.

‘And there was this thing up North, where that young girl Brianna Ghey was lured into the park by two teenagers, and they stabbed her. 

‘I just thought, what’s going on? What is this that’s happening?’

16-year-old Brianna, who was transgender, was killed on February 11 2023 in Culcheth, Warrington.

Those who have watched the series have rushed to share their praise.

The show has received 100% on the Tomatometer on Rotten Tomatoes, as well as 95% on the Popcornmeter.

Many have rushed to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share how amazing they think the show is 

Read More ‘Take a bow, Owen Cooper’: Netflix fans calling for Adolescence star to be nominated for a BAFTA

Many have also taken to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share the positive reviews.

One wrote: ‘The new Netflix show #Adolescence is a must watch in 2025.’

Another added: ‘@ashleywalters82 feel sick to my stomach ,first10minutes in! Never expected it to hit so hard already ! #Adolescence #parenting #Netflix.’

A third chimed in: ‘Netflix Adolescence. Just got through the series laying in bed sick. Steve Graham has absolutely captured today’s teenagers in school. If you’ve sat through this and thought my kids aren’t affected, you need to wake up & check in with your kids.’

‘OMG!!!#Adolescence on Netflix is the most INCREDIBLE camera work I’ve ever seen! ONE CAMERA….ONE SH๏τ??? Can you imagine….NO ONE can mess up! For so many hours!! It’s amazing!!.’ a fourth wrote.

A fifth tweeted: ‘Oh my ! #Adolescence simply wow ! Made all the better by the whole one sH๏τ only thing. Truly an incredible watch. Well done Stephen Graham and all involved.’

Meanwhile others others have called for youngster Owen Cooper to be nominated for a BAFTA just hours after series dubbed the ‘best since Baby Reindeer’ hit our screens.

And Daily Mail’s Christopher Stevens has given the programme a whopping five stars.

He wrote: ‘It’s effectively a live performance without retakes. This sometimes gives the production a theatrical air, as if the action is taking place on a revolving stage. 

‘But the effect is always impressive and never distracting.

‘The strong cast includes Mark Stanley as a solicitor well out of his depth, but the most exceptional performances come from the teenagers — especially Owen Cooper as Jamie and Fatima Bojang as the ᴅᴇᴀᴅ girl’s bereaved best friend.

‘Adolescence paints our schools, police and an entire generation in a grimly unforgiving light. 

‘Watching it is a gruelling experience. But no drama has ever depicted the nightmare of knife crime better.’

Stream Adolescence on Netflix now.