The secret hidden meaning behind the shattering ending of Netflix drama Adolescence has been revealed. 

The crime series, written by Stephen Graham 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 (Emilia Holliday). 

The final episode sees Jamie admit that he did kill Katie and tells his dad that he will plead guilty. 

It closes out with an emotional rendition of Aurora’s Through the Eyes of a Child sang by Emilia, which describes the loss of a ‘childlike soul.’

The haunting track is is the first and only time that viewers hear Katie’s voice in the series. 

The secret hidden meaning behind the shattering ending of Netflix drama Adolescence has been revealed

Stephen Graham pays Eddie Miller, the dad of a young boy called Jamie (Owen Cooper), who is suspected of stabbing one of his classmates Katie (Emilia Holliday)

Speaking in an interview with Netflix’s Tudum, show director Philip Barantini revealed he heard the song around the time Jack sent him the script and knew it needed to be in the series. 

‘I couldn’t stop thinking about it. It’s just absolutely incredible,’ he explained. 

‘The voice in the score is Katie’s voice. Katie is a part of the whole series. Her presence is always there.’ 

Elsewhere, Stephen has shared the harrowing reason for making chart-topping new Netflix show and it will send shivers down parents’ spines. 

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…

‘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.’

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.’

The final episode sees Jamie admit that he did kill Katie and tells his dad that he will plead guilty 

It closes out with an emotional rendition of Aurora’s Through the Eyes of a Child sang by Emilia, which describes the loss of a ‘childlike soul’ and is the first time viewers hear Katie’s voice

He continued: ‘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 

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.’